There are many river cruise companies to choose from, so what makes AMAwaterways stand out from the rest? From their ability to operate in low waters to their dedicated leadership, Amawaterways has carved a unique path in the world of river cruising. Dive into the lesser-known aspects of Amawaterways as we explore their innovative approach to carefully curated itineraries that ensure every voyage is a journey of discovery. Let's take a look at the secrets behind Amawaterways' success and why they continue to stand out in the industry. Sail in low waters Amawaterways, offers the ability to navigate shallow waters. Their modern ships have specifically designed features that enable smooth sailing even in low water conditions. You are least likely to have a trip interrupted by low water levels on an AMAwaterways, river cruise. Family Owned AMAwaterways is a family owned business. The founders, Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst, and Jimmy Murphy, oversee the operations of the company. The leaders have a personal connection and demonstrate a commitment to act on the best interest of the company. Your river cruise experience is backed by a strong family legacy. New Itinerary In Columbia A new itinerary in Columbia has recently been introduced. Embark on an extraordinary journey into a new culture with rich history. AMAwaterways is excited to showcase beautiful landscapes including lush rainforests, explore historical sites and introduce travelers to the warm and welcoming culture of Columbia. Your Columbian adventure promises to be unforgettable. Longest River Cruise Itinerary The longest river cruise itinerary, at 49 nights, is offered by AMAwaterways. It travels through 15 incredible European countries onboard the luxurious AmaMora. This unique itinerary sails through historic sites, gorgeous landscapes and diverse cultures, all from the comfort of the same ship. It is truly a remarkable opportunity that sets AMAwaterways apart from the competition. Most cruisers use a Travel Advisor Over 95% of cruisers on AMAwaterways consulted a Travel Advisor to help reserve their trip. Advisors go through extensive product training and often have first-hand experience. It takes a professional to match the needs of each client with the appropriate itinerary. With the guidance of a travel advisor, you can be sure your vacation will run smoothly. AMAwaterways supports travel advisors. Amawaterways has some truly unique offerings that set them apart from other river cruise companies. Amawaterways proves to be a true gem in the industry. Their carefully curated itineraries take you on unforgettable journeys to lesser-explored destinations, offering a truly immersive travel experience. Choose Amawaterways for your next vacation and discover a company that goes above and beyond to ensure your satisfaction. With Amawaterways, you can expect nothing less than a remarkable and unforgettable journey that exceeds your expectations. Allow Amawaterways to guide you on a river cruise adventure that will create memories to cherish for a lifetime.
0 Comments
If you're considering your first European river cruise, you're likely weighing the options of sailing on either the Rhine River or the Danube River. These two waterways offer stunning scenery, medieval castles, charming towns, and the convenience of a variety of cruise lines and attractions nearby. So, how do you choose between them? Let's delve into the similarities and differences of Rhine River and Danube River cruises to help you make an informed decision. Similarities Between Rhine River and Danube River Cruises: Both the Rhine and the Danube offer a delightful mix of big city culture, small sleepy towns, and picturesque rural landscapes. On a Rhine River cruise, you'll have the chance to explore the vibrant cities of Amsterdam and Cologne, as well as the European experiences of Strasbourg and Basel. Meanwhile, the Danube cruise takes you to Budapest, where you can marvel at the castle on the hill, and Vienna, with its rich musical heritage. Both rivers offer flexibility in terms of cruise length. Seven-night cruises are popular, allowing you to enjoy the highlights. However, if you have more time, extended itineraries are available, including the option to add the Mosel or Main rivers to your Rhine cruise or travel the full length of the Danube through Eastern Europe to the Black Sea. For history lovers, both rivers are a treasure trove of castles, cathedrals, and historic structures. On the Rhine, your cruise may include a stop at the 700-year-old Marksburg Castle, marking the beginning of the scenic Rhine Gorge. On the Danube, you'll have the chance to visit the impressive Melk Abbey or the Benedictine abbey in Krems, boasting one of the world's largest ceiling frescoes. Active cruisers will be delighted to know that many river cruises now carry bikes onboard, allowing you to explore bike-friendly routes along either river. Wine enthusiasts can indulge in both itineraries, as the Rhine flows through prime Riesling territory, while the Danube takes you through the renowned Wachau Valley, famous for its crisp Gruner Veltliner varities. If you're a fan of festive Christmas Markets, both the Rhine and the Danube will captivate you. From traditional markets in ports big and small, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit. While the Rhine cruises venture farther north, expect the Danube to offer its own enchanting markets in a wintry atmosphere, thanks to Austria's mountainous terrain. When it comes to cuisine, both the Danube and the Rhine offer delectable local dishes. Along the Danube, you'll savor hearty meals like goulash and Wiener schnitzel, while the Rhine treats you to sausages, pork dishes, and decadent desserts such as Black Forest Cake. Both rivers have lock systems that your ship will navigate through. While the Rhine has a greater number of locks, and is a bit busier than the Danube. One consideration worth noting is that both the Rhine and the Danube can experience high and low water levels. Rising water can limit passage under bridges, while low water can occur during drought conditions in Central Europe, particularly in the summer and fall months. Differences Between Rhine River and Danube River Cruises: While the Rhine boasts scenic spots like the Rhine Gorge, the Danube is greener and more rural, offering a serene and tranquil ambiance. If you're seeking a blend of history and modernity, the Rhine features larger cities like Amsterdam, Basel, and Strasbourg with thriving art scenes and museums. On the other hand, Vienna and Budapest on the Danube embrace a more Old World charm, with Vienna renowned for its classical music performances and Budapest exuding a captivating nostalgic atmosphere. The decision between a Rhine River or Danube River cruise comes down to your personal preferences. Choose the Rhine if you desire a mix of energetic cities, art museums, windmills, and a sprinkling of World War II history amid the stunning castles and towns. Select the Danube if you crave more greenery, classical music performances, the Old World charm of Budapest, and a slightly less crowded waterway. Whichever river you choose for your first European river cruise, it's likely you'll fall in love and want to explore the other river on your next adventure. Happy cruising! I recently went on my first River Cruise. I took my own questions, combined with my clients and made a list of common questions. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time adventurer, this blog post is here to answer all your burning questions about embarking on the ultimate River Cruise experience. From understanding your stateroom to what to expect on excursions, keep reading for answers to the most common River Cruise Questions.
Are there headsets, and if so, how do they work? The good news is that you don't need to bring your own headsets, as most tour companies provide them for their passengers. When I went on a river cruise aboard the AMAviola, the headphones were already in our room when we arrived. We were able to use them on each of our excursions and simply plugged them in to recharge each night. The headphones provided us with clear and informative audio for our tours, and made it easy to hear everything our guides had to say. For those with hearing aids, you can loop the earpiece over the ear to rest comfortably on top of the hearing aids. I don't recommend removing your hearing aids, I know too many people who have lost one this way! How do I choose my tours on a river cruise? Choosing the right tours for your river cruise trip can greatly enhance your travel experience. It's recommended that you plan and choose your tours ahead of time to ensure availability. However, most river cruise companies allow for last-minute changes if necessary. One great thing about river cruise tours is that they offer activities for all levels - from easy to active excursions, there's something for everyone. Some companies, such as Avalon and Uniworld, allow passengers to book additional-fee excursions online in advance. Clients I recently booked onboard the Viking Buri ship booked their excursions in advance, but they can also be booked on the ship based on availability. Also, many river cruise lines now offer bikes onboard to allow passengers to take them out in port on their own without an organized tour. Will the stateroom be noisy? Noise and vibrations are a common concern for travelers. Fortunately, most river cruise ships are designed to minimize noise and vibrations as much as possible. If you're someone who is sensitive to noise, consider choosing a cabin on the upper decks or away from high-traffic areas that may be prone to noise. And if you encounter vibrations, you can always place a towel in the offending space to stop the rattling! What type of outlets are in the staterooms? Most ships will have at least one outlet that can accommodate a US plug (110-120V) along with a USB outlet. However, staterooms have a limited number of outlets available, so it's a good idea to bring a travel adapter and/or converter with you on an international trip. (If you have a pre/post stay at a hotel, you’ll also need the appropriate adapter for that particular country.) What is the layout of the stateroom? Stateroom layouts can vary quite a bit from company to company and from ship to ship, so it's important to research the specific ship you'll be on to get a sense of what to expect. Travel advisors who specialize in river cruising have a vast knowledge of all the options and can help pair your interest and style with the right itinerary and ship. Most staterooms on a river cruise ship are designed to be efficient, maximizing available space while providing comfortable accommodations. The deck you choose may impact your experience on a river cruise. Lower decks tend to be quieter and more stable, while upper decks may offer more scenic views. There may also be variations depending on the type of ship, so it's a good idea to look at deck plans before selecting your cabin. You won't find metal walls on the river cruise ships, so those of you who are used to Ocean Cruising and usually bring magnetic hooks for extra storage space, you can leave those at home for this trip! You will likely find an umbrella in your stateroom, or at the gangway, for use on excursions. It's a good idea to confirm with your travel advisor or check with the specific river cruise line you will be sailing to be sure. Should I take a Pre/Post Cruise option? A pre-cruise land package is highly recommended as it can help ensure you arrive at your ship on time and avoid any stress or unexpected delays. Arriving early also gives you the chance to acclimate to your new surroundings, a new time zone and potentially explore the city before embarking on your cruise. As for post-cruise land stays, they can be an excellent idea if you want to take more time to explore the last stop on your cruise or any other nearby cities. Since you're already in a new destination, taking extra time to explore can help you make the most of your trip. Is the pre/post hotel stays included in the cruise price? No, the pre/post cruise stay is an additional fee, however, many river cruise lines offer promotions toward land stays, so be sure to ask about your options. |
AuthorI enjoy guiding clients through the planning process: from finding the right destination to organizing the logistics and finally hearing about the trip upon your return! I am a strong advocate for my clients when it comes to price, quality and service. Trust and building lasting relationships along with continuing education are all extremely important to my business. Categories |