Sunday, March 31, 2024

AMAWaterways River Cruises

ama river cruise line

I did just that, traveling with my 19-year-old son on a “bikes and boats” trip with AmaWaterways and Backroads. As regular readers of River Cruise Advisor know, AmaWaterways is a multi-awarded river cruise company. Not as well known among RCA’s readers, Backroads bills itself as the world’s #1 active travel company.

A Few Of Our Best AmaWaterways Travel Experiences

The double-width ship replicates the experience of a small luxury ocean-going vessel, except with AmaMagna you’re on the river, the Danube specifically. Dramatic rivers yielding to fairytale towns and iconic cities all come alive as you discover four countries along the storied Rhine and Moselle. From Switzerland’s pristine cities—Lucerne and Zurich—to the colorful canals of Amsterdam, delve deeply into the history, legends and culture. Throughout your journey, wander through postcard-perfect towns such Riquewihr, Freiburg, Bernkastel and Cochem. Let your inner adventurer out as you hike through vineyards and bike along the rivers.

AmaWaterways Honored as Best in River Cruising at 2023 Travvy Awards - TravelPulse

AmaWaterways Honored as Best in River Cruising at 2023 Travvy Awards.

Posted: Fri, 03 Nov 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Extraordinary Experiences

Celebrating 20 years in operation, the innovative river cruise company boasts beautiful ships plying the waterways of Europe, Asia, Africa and soon, Latin America. In 2019, AmaWaterways addied the ground-breaking AmaMagna to its fleet, a ship that is twice as wide as its other riverboats. The cabins on AmaMagna start at 205 square feet, with more than half falling in the 355- to 710-square-foot range. The ship also has four restaurants, an expanded wellness facility and a water sports platform. Due to its size, it can only sail on the Danube; itineraries in 2019 will focus on the Upper Danube, with the Lower Danube added in 2020. Contoured by vineyard-clad hills and castles from yesteryear, the legendary Rhine captivates.

Related Cruises

The company grew its river cruise business by attracting mature travelers seeking a convenient way to explore multiple cities and countries in Europe. However, its brand recognition and growth greatly accelerated with the introduction of its first Viking Longship in 2012 and a successful marketing campaign around the launch of the Longships (including sponsorship of "Downton Abbey" on PBS Masterpiece). Viking's river cruise fares include one complimentary shore excursion in each port, typically a panoramic bus tour or guided walking tour. Guests may also choose from among a range of other extra-fee tour options, most with a cultural or culinary bent but some a bit more active. Last night we celebrated our 34th anniversary on the amawaterways Amasonata at the chef’s table.

RiverVoyages acts as a retail agent to you and also as a disclosed agent of the holiday provider (the Organiser of the holiday). The Foreign & Commonwealth Office have up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad. Neither of the lines have the formal evenings that you get on ocean ships, but you'll find a welcome cocktail event and captain's gala dinner on every cruise.

Those ships are either 360 or 443 feet in length and carry 140 to 196 passengers and 45 to 70 crew members, respectively. The majority (15 ships) carry between 152 and 162 passengers and 51 crew, while four smaller vessels accommodate either 140 or 144 passengers and 45 crew. I go Castle hopping and wine drinking and always with a designated driver.

Dining options on AmaWaterways vs. Viking

Take a front-row seat on an enchanting journey that takes you along the Rhine and through its designated UNESCO World Heritage Site with its 40 castles strung like pearls on its river banks and to magnificent cities and charming villages alike. Let wine and song carry you along the melodious Danube—muse for musicians, artists and poets for centuries. Explore Prague, Vienna and Budapest, magnificent capital cities with storybook architecture and the tales to match. Visit Salzburg, the setting for the beloved film classic, "The Sound of Music," complete with a stop in Mondsee, home of the famed Basilica St. Michael where the movie’s wedding scene was filmed. Indulge in the flavors of the region, from delicate, apricot-scented wines of Austria’s Wachau Valley to the hearty Bavarian beer at a traditional Bavarian Oktoberfest in Vilshofen.

AFRICA SAFARIS & WILDLIFE RIVER CRUISES

ama river cruise line

At 443 feet in length, each accommodates 190 passengers and 53 crew members. Today, Viking's 55 virtually identical Longships, named for Nordic gods and goddesses (from Viking Agir to Viking Vili), represent a certain standard of European river cruising, and all feature light and airy Scandinavian design. “Special Interest Tours” encourage further immersion into local culture. Authentic Belgian waffles and chocolate making in Antwerp; picnicking in the terraced vineyards of Portugal; or learning how to cook quintessential French cuisine in Provence, are just a few examples. Along with being intertwined with these deeply enriching experiences, guests can take excursions designed to showcase the renowned highlights, as well.

ama river cruise line

Night Rhine Castles & Swiss AlpsDetails

AmaWaterways has always been passionate about promoting health and wellness. A Wellness host leads exercise classes and discussion groups with a focus on healthy eating and relaxation. AmaWaterways recognizes every traveler is unique, so the company has carefully curated a menu of included excursions to tempt even the most seasoned travelers.

The line has a fleet of 26 ships, with three new vessels launching in 2024 and 2025. In the decade-plus that we’ve operated this site, we can’t recall a single complaint about AmaWaterways, which is remarkable when you consider that the company operates more than two dozen ships on three continents. We believe part of the reason for this is what we just mentioned, but that doesn’t tell the whole story.

AmaWaterways AmaPrima Cruise Reviews for Gourmet Food Cruises to Europe - River Cruise (2023 UPDATED ... - Cruise Critic

AmaWaterways AmaPrima Cruise Reviews for Gourmet Food Cruises to Europe - River Cruise (2023 UPDATED ....

Posted: Thu, 02 Nov 2023 13:13:00 GMT [source]

Join AmaWaterways on a journey to this dynamic city, before or after your Secrets Of Egypt & The Nile river cruise. Headquartered in Calabasas, CA, AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst, a husband-and-wife team with much river cruise line experience, and the late Jimmy Murphy, founder of Brendan Worldwide Vacations. It’s highly inclusive, strikes a balance on included beverages, has dedicated wellness hosts, and so much more. On the top deck on some of its ships, AmaWaterways has heated swimming pools with swim-up bars that are surprisingly large for a river line. Pools feature underwater stools so passengers can sit at the bar and watch the scenery go by.

Uniworld's trio of Super Ships -- SS Catherine, Antoinette and Maria Theresa -- have 64 to 73 cabins in five categories. On Uniworld ships, you're generally going to find a 65+, well-traveled, well-heeled North American crowd. Although traditionally the line has tended to appeal to more senior passengers, its sophisticated onboard vibe also attracts cruisers who are in their 40s and 50s.

On our specially curated itinerary, guests will experience sites and cultural traditions that have been recognized by UNESCO for their outstanding universal value. From the military architecture and strategic location of Cartagena to the cultural heritage of the village of Palenque, to the historic center of Santa Cruz de Mompox, we are delighted to share these incredible places with you. In addition, both the region’s vallenato music and Barranquilla’s Carnaval celebration are inscribed on UNESCO’s list for their intangible cultural heritage – and you will experience both during your journey with us through Colombia.

AmaWaterways Review What Makes AmaWaterways Different & What We Like About AmaWaterways

ama river cruise line

Embark on a journey that caters to discerning tastes and highlights the decadent French flavors throughout the Burgundy region. Enjoy crisp wine tastings in beautiful destinations such as Seurre, Tournus, Mâcon and Lyon. Belgium and the Netherlands sit below sea level and encompass the land around the Rhine Delta and the North Sea.

A Menu of Complimentary Shore Excursions

In fact, “Ama” is derived from the Latin word for “love.” It is a concept that permeates every aspect of their river cruises, from the design of the ships to the development of itineraries to the high levels of service delivered to guests. AmaWaterways is always looking to innovate, offer exciting new destinations and add extra value for each and every guest. We are delighted to share with you some featured itineraries for our current and upcoming sailing seasons – all of which are now available for reservations. Following their unforgettable experience in Colombia, Rudi and Kristin knew they had to share it with our cherished guests.

Uniworld vs. AmaWaterways

Most of the wines in this region are reds made from gamay grapes but there was also Chardonnay and Rose. Overall it was an overall excursion that still left me with time to relax on the boat in the afternoon. Did you know that amawaterways has multiple activities offered for each port? AmaWaterways has teamed up with Adventures by Disney to offer family-friendly river cruises with excursions, meals and activities that are planned for multigenerational travelers. The partnership extends to the ship itself; Adventures by Disney helped designed Ama's newest ships, so there are connecting cabins and staterooms with extra beds -- both rarities in the world of river cruising.

Choose Avalon if you want to book a tour before or after your cruise.

French Balcony cabins are a snug 135 square feet, but feature wall-to-wall sliding glass doors. Veranda cabins are 205 square feet, while veranda suites are 275 square feet. The two Explorer Suites are 445 square feet, including a 270-degree wrap-around veranda. AmaWaterways is also popular with U.S. travelers but attracts a slightly more international demographic that's also perhaps a bit younger — and fitter. Not only does the cruise line offer active hiking or biking excursions in most ports, but its ships also have a Wellness Host on board leading morning and afternoon yoga, meditation and fitness classes. As for Viking, the company's fleet of 55 identical Longships is ubiquitous along Central Europe's major rivers.

Delve into the peaks and valleys of Cambodia’s history in the Royal Palace and National Museums of its beautiful capital, Phnom Penh. Witness skilled artisans who create exquisite handicrafts and delicacies, and be treated to authentic experiences, including rides via oxcart, tut tut and trishaw. On this transformative journey, the Mekong truly reveals a vibrant world along its shores. Grand cities blend in perfect harmony with their historic past and their progressive future. Inspirational towns have given way to great stories, poetry and music, like Heidelberg, where Mark Twain wrote A Tramp Abroad. Timeless traditions remain intact—from the making of Kölsch, Cologne’s legendary brew, to the making of Rüdesheimer coffee.

Cabins

Waiter-served dinners are usually at 7 p.m., and you can sit wherever you want, although tables for two are hard to come by on both ships in a subtle nod to encourage guests to mingle. Meals are a four-course affair; five if it's a special captain's dinner. Two decades of operating memorable river cruises is a remarkable achievement for a small, family owned business. Some of the company’s success can be credited to its innovative ship designs.

ama river cruise line

AmaWaterways adds agent course for Rhine, Main and Moselle cruises - Travel Weekly

AmaWaterways adds agent course for Rhine, Main and Moselle cruises.

Posted: Wed, 04 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

When you choose to apply (and are approved) for a new credit card through our site, we may receive compensation from our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. AmaWaterways has maximized its guest stateroom views with not one, but two private balconies – a French balcony and a full outside balcony. In 2018, the company welcomes the AmaLea, sister ship to AmaKristina; and then in 2019, the company introduced a new Rhine River ship, AmaMora, sister ship to AmaLea, and on the Douro River, AmaWaterways debuted the 102-passenger AmaDouro. Also in 2019, AmaWaterways unveiled its biggest ship ever with the AmaMagna, representing a game-changing new design elevating modern luxury even further. 2017 marked the arrival of AmaWaterways’ 20th ship with the new AmaKristina, as well as the company’s 15-year anniversary.

These might include dessert making with the ship's pastry chef, a behind-the-scenes tour with the captain, tasting local soft drinks with the resident Soda Sommelier, a ship-wide treasure hunt or craft workshops. On both lines, children as young as 4 are welcome onboard, but a sail age of 7 or 8, in the case of ABD, is recommended. The sailings on both lines all take place in July and August, as well as a Christmas markets cruise. Other fees that you'll pay on Ama include €15 per day in gratuities and certain excursions; at least one per day is included. It also offers two seven-night itineraries on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. As of 2024, the company is offering February and March sailings aboard AmaMagna ("Magna on the Danube") on the Danube and AmaLucia ("Captivating Rhine") on the Rhine.

Nobel Prize-winning author Gabriel García Márquez was born in Colombia and has been considered one of the greatest writers of the 20th century – and the most prolific Latin American writer in history. He lived for a time in Barranquilla and later worked in Bogotá, but it wasn’t until he moved to Mexico City that he wrote One Hundred Years of Solitude, completed in 1967, for which he is renowned. We encourage you to get inspired for your future Colombia journey by reading these books in Spanish or in their English translations. Get lost in the medieval chivalric atmosphere of Nuremberg’s Kaiserburg Castle, representative of the thousands of fortresses that dotted Germany’s landscape in the Middle Ages.

These families came together to create the premiere travel experience for AmaWaterways’ guests. Because of the lack of space on the rivers, it means that river cruise companies may have to give up certain amenities to make room for guests onboard – but that’s not always the case. Choose AmaWaterways if you enjoy biking and hiking, and really want to get active in every port. It's also a good choice for families as the vehicle for Adventures by Disney cruises. Choose Avalon if you want access to some of the top guides in a region, and enjoy having a bed that faces the river in a room with more space overall. Both lines have several Captain's Dinners during the cruise that add extra courses and usually free hors d'oeuvres during that night's cocktail hour.

ama river cruise line

AmaWaterways’ Cruise Managers are your hosts while you are traveling with them. The company hires only the very the most talented, knowledgeable and experienced in the industry. All skillfully trained and educated with years of experience means you can be assured exceptional levels of professional and personalized service throughout your entire journey both on board and on shore. Customer service, attention to detail and passenger satisfaction are AmaWaterways’ hallmarks.

In addition, guests can choose from a Classics menu with always-available favorites. All AmaWaterways ships also feature the Chef's Table, an intimate space (it seats 28) located at the back of the ship and offering panoramic views. Passengers can reserve a shared table here to enjoy a beautifully prepared multicourse meal at no additional cost. Because 19 of AmaWaterways' core European ships fall into two size categories, accommodating 144 to 162 passengers, cabin and suite design is consistent across most of the fleet. Each of the generously sized rooms features a flat-screen TV and a bathroom with a roomy shower.

US private equity firm secures 'significant stake' in AmaWaterways - Cruise Trade News

US private equity firm secures 'significant stake' in AmaWaterways.

Posted: Mon, 04 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Yes, the weather will be a bit nippy, but there will be fewer crowds, and the cruise fares will be hundreds of dollars lower than in warmer months. Entertainment-wise, guests can expect nightly music by a piano player/DJ as well as guest performances by locals that range from folkloric song and dance to contemporary music. Viking Longships are each a carbon copy of the others, so passengers know exactly what they are getting when they book.

That's not to say that you'll find kids running amok on the latter's ships, but you might share your river cruise with parents and teens or grandparents and younger children during summer and spring break. Unlike AmaWaterways, which remains strictly a river cruise company, Viking has expanded into ocean cruising. In 2015, the company introduced the 930-passenger Viking Star and now operates a fleet of nine identical ocean ships. That means Viking fans can vacation around the world without leaving the brand.

Discover timeless traditions while getting to know the friendly guides and residents from diverse backgrounds who live beyond the riverbanks. Enjoy the soul and spirit of Colombia as you sail this river along with AmaWaterways, the Heart of the River™. The great Magdalena basin harbors many species of flora and fauna not found anywhere else on the planet – perhaps most significant are its birds, making our river cruises the ideal vacation for birdwatchers. Both lines also offer swimming pools on the newer ships; Ama's are outdoor and heated, Uniworld's are indoor and heated.

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