Stefanie Waldek is a Brooklyn-based travel writer with over six years of experience. AmaWaterways vs. Viking River Cruises | Cruise Critic Take a tour of a AmaWaterwayss suite. Excursions are typically guided by local experts who know the port's culture and history well. Uniworld tends to put more focus on guided tours and daytime entertainment at various destinations. Viking and Ama both include enrichment programs during their sailings, and the offerings are comparable. incredible service and a choice of excursions in every port, as well as up to 5 rounds of golf at (Beer and wine are included with lunch and dinner, and sparkling wine with breakfastotherwise, alcohol is la carte. AmaWaterways operates 17 vessels in Europe, one in Asia, and one in Africa. Since your ship will be making port at so many unique cities you'll have a chance to eat local cuisine. They're designed to provide more insight into the ports and destinations the ships visit. 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. 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. 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. Breakfast is served with fresh juices and sparkling wines so that every day starts off with a touch of luxury. The greeters was great! The ships that sail in Europe are similarly designed and can accommodate about 164 passengers. 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. These Piano Deck cabins with fixed windows are the smallest onboard at just 160 square feet. Most AmaWaterways ships average between 158 to 164 passengers. The word inclusive gets thrown around a lot, but what exactly does it mean? Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity: Which Cruise Line Is Best for You. An immense variety of ports means more unique travel destinations and options. With a variety of itineraries across the globe, they have a selection of amazing river cruises to choose from. Learn how your comment data is processed. I am very picky about my coffee. Experience Christmas Markets, a holiday feast with all the trimmings and special events on board with your esteemed host. 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?. 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. Booking your first river cruise? 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. AmaWaterways also sails the Chobe River in Africa. "AmaWaterways Announces Retirement of Gary Murphy, Senior Vice President of Sales, Promotes Alex Pinelo", "AmaWaterways Unveils Details of Newest Ship, AmaMagna", "AmaWaterways to debut new ship, new itineraries in 2021", "Down the Danube: What would a 20-something make of a river cruise? 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. Also, both lines offer specific family cruises throughout the year that include additional activities for kids, so this may be something to check into. These cabins are practically identical to the previous category, although they provide slightly more space at 235 square feet. Uniworld also offers a range of onboard activities, including swimming pools, leisure centers and gyms, libraries, and beautiful sun decks to lounge on. Each of these cabins features a twin bed and space for one, perfect for solo cruisers. How Does AmaWaterways & Viking River Cruises Compare on Price, Inclusions and Booking Policies? This is my second time booking a trip with Cheryl Wilson. Shore excursions are a major component of the river cruise appeal. The line sails to more than 25 countries in Africa, Asia and Europe. Although most river cruise lines promote themselves as all-inclusive the meaning of all-inclusive tends to vary by operator by that, I mean some river cruise lines are in fact more inclusive than others! Why? There's also space at the Aquavit Terrace. Excursions are operated in small groups of just 10-15 guests. Other destinations include countries in Asia like China, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Incredible awards and ratings including having the highest rated river cruise ships in Europe. 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. 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 also does river cruises in Asia, Egypt, India, and Peru. The rivers we sail are calm bodies of water and our ships experience no waves or rocking motions the primary cause for seasickness. From the beginning of our vacation to the end, everything was perfect. Its likely youve heard of Uniworld River Cruises and AmaWaterways. Uniworld has a broad range of staterooms offering a luxurious, high-end designer feel and one-of-a-kind interiors. Deck One, the Piano Deck, has a few staterooms, plus the massage room, salon, and a fitness center. Youll feel pampered, whether youre in a grand suite or classic cabin. The average age for these boats is two years, and vessels can accommodate up to 190 passengers. What You Need to Know. In fact, you might be wondering, which is better, AmaWaterways or Uniworld? Could Low Water Levels Ruin Your European River Cruise? They also have heated swimming pools with swimup bars that are surprisingly large for a river line. that with our Exclusive Concierge Golf Program. Plan Far, Far Ahead, Ama Magna D E Passau N B C I M G 7237 Edit 2000x800, Quilting (Photo: PHILIPIMAGE/Shutterstock.com). Both AmaWaterways and Uniworld offer Christmas cruises of the markets in Europe. Contact. While they both cruise throughout Europe, each company has some different routes. No matter the time of day there are always cookies and snacks available at the Al Fresco Restaurant. Many River Cruises Work On A Full Board Basis, but on an AmaWaterways River Cruise full board covers A LOT. The wine host also accompanies guests during vineyard tours and tastings ashore. Credit card showdown: Alaska Airlines Visa vs. Alaska Airlines Business Visa, Disney Cruise Lines Castaway Club loyalty program: Everything you need to know. .css-hghiur{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;font-weight:var(--chakra-fontWeights-medium);border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:dotted;cursor:pointer;color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);border-color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);}.css-hghiur:focus-visible,.css-hghiur[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}.css-hghiur:hover,.css-hghiur[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:solid;}AmaWaterways and Viking are similarly priced across all cabin categories, from the lowest on up to the suites, and both offer comparable inclusions. 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. 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. That leaves plenty of room for lounging, either in full sun or under shade. She covers various destinations, hotels, and travel products for TripSavvy. Every day there was a huge choice of excursions. Uniworld has family cruises, floating art workshops, heritage cruises, mystery cruises, among others. Depending on the itinerary, they range from around $2000 per person to $5000 per person or more. Viking's sun decks offer more space, in part because the area isn't used for pools or storing bicycles. Founded in 2002, this European riverboat operator is California-based and won several awards for river cruise innovation . in multiple ports, commemorative gifts, and many more surprises and delights. They even have a specially selected handful of wine cruises, with various tours around Europe, France, and Portugal. Theres always the lounge or the Sun Deck, though. Throw pillows are elaborate, and wood and marble touches are dark. [2], Cruises are full-board and include wine and beer with meals as well as a cocktail hour. AmaWaterways has curated a diverse menu of included shore excursions, from walking tours for gentle, regular and active guests to guided hikes and bike rides. We have in place an exemption process that may result in a small number of guests onboard who are not fully . In some destinations, guests can choose between different towns that are usually a 30- to 45-minute bus ride away from the dock. It feels very close to all-inclusive. 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. 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. The difference is in the auditorium or theatre that is used. AmaWaterways Exclusive Concierge Golf Program is available on select Romantic Danube and Melodies of the Danube cruises sailing aboard the AmaMagna. Every breakfast, lunch and dinner during your river cruise will be included on board. Heres what else you can expect from each room, from least expensive to most. The tours are amazing, but the excursions are even more so, giving you many fun, interesting, and adrenaline rushing activities to participate in. Technically, AmaWaterways is not all-inclusive but it offers a wide selection of alcoholic drinks throughout the day on European cruises. Hello! Your email address will not be published. 13 Night Captivating Rhine from Amsterdam November 23, 2023 AMA Also Check: Norwegian Cruise Lines Newest Ship. 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. 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. 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.