AmaWaterways European River Cruises. 8 Must-knows Before Cruising

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  • Опубликовано: 28 дек 2024

Комментарии • 108

  • @loonpond
    @loonpond 9 месяцев назад +3

    I just did a Rhine river cruise (it started in Vienna on the Danube, and ended in Amsterdam on the Amstel river) and no one needed a balcony. The highlight of the trip was the all-day cruise through the Rhine valley. We all stood or sat on the sundeck and had a marvelous running commentary on all the castles. Additionally, some things to see were on the left, some on the right, so watching from the sundeck was better than being in your room on one side of the ship and missing some of the sights. The cruise line was Grand Circle, and I know they're not as luxurious as some of the other lines, but as a single traveler, they suit me just fine.

  • @kathleenm3443
    @kathleenm3443 Год назад +6

    I’ve been on two AMA cruises. The best, and no complaints. Fabulous time. Can’t wait to do it again.

    • @b-lew777
      @b-lew777 Месяц назад

      Have you done viking too?

  • @chefslog2970
    @chefslog2970 3 года назад +5

    I was recently contracted by NCL as a Sous Chef and I have been watching many of your videos prior to beginning my first contract. I just wanted to thank you for being so inspiring! I rarely get to interact with guests, as I am in back in the kitchen. So it is lovely to connect a real guest, and hear what they expect and appreciate, to my new position. I can't wait to start this new adventure!

  • @bobgrossman9067
    @bobgrossman9067 4 года назад +12

    Couldn't agree more with your assessment of AMA Waterways--their products, service and accommodations are all terrific! We have traveled with them 3 times now and continue to be impressed by their ships, their itineraries, food and service. One aspect that we appreciated (and that you briefly pointed out) is that for the excursions they run different caliber groups depending upon skills/abilities. We loved having a "Fast Walker" option as it did weed out individuals who had certain mobility limitations, while providing "Gentle Walker" options for those who might require it. The Captain's Table dinner is also a huge treat for guests that can be accessed once during one's voyage. All in all, a GREAT experience.

    • @karlatiedemann2377
      @karlatiedemann2377 2 года назад

      Thank you for the information

    • @b-lew777
      @b-lew777 Месяц назад

      Do you prefer it to vikimg ?

    • @BobGrossman-bv5rq
      @BobGrossman-bv5rq Месяц назад +1

      @@b-lew777 I know it's only a matter of preference, but while we enjoyed our Viking River Cruise this past May (Paris to Normandy), we still prefer AMA Waterways because of the following. While Viking will provide a tour at one destination per day, AMA often provides additional tours at no additional cost. As mentioned above, I happen to truly appreciate the Captains Table experience and the fact that they offer more options for their tours (i.e. Fast Walker, Slow Walker, Medium Walker) and the availability of bikes onboard for your use when you are at a destination--either on your own or for a guided bike tour. Lastly, they have a gym onboard, as well as the availability of massage. I love Viking's ships with their Scandinavian design and furnishings, but overall prefer AMA.

    • @b-lew777
      @b-lew777 Месяц назад

      @BobGrossman-bv5rq awesome insight. Thank you very much. I'm from Texas and this will be my first European cruise
      I like that AMA has a pool too. That's big for me

    • @BobGrossman-bv5rq
      @BobGrossman-bv5rq Месяц назад

      @@b-lew777 I did fail to mention that and during the dead of summer, it is a nice amenity to have. Please remember this, both of these cruise lines are truly top-notch. You can't go wrong with either and I'm sure there are plenty who would side with Viking on this string. Again, I'm sharing my personal preference for the reasons I've stated. You'll have a great experience on either one! We did a Viking Expedition trip to Antarctica and LOVED it and have booked our first Viking Ocean cruise for 2026.

  • @BobbyV77
    @BobbyV77 2 года назад +13

    I was just on an AMA Rhine river cruise. On day 3 my wife and I both tested positive for Covid (we may have picked it up in Amsterdam before embarking the ship). I advised the Cruise Manager of our test results. While attempting to be courteous, the Cruise Manager advised us to "depart the ship immediately" and within an hour we were escorted off the ship with no plan on what to do next. AMA called for a taxi and made a reservation for a hotel in Mannheim, Germany. We were sick (and old) with no plan how to get back to Seattle. We thought AMA could have been more helpful. We're likely NOT to travel with them again. AMA is advertised to be "a cut above" other cruise operators. Frankly, we didn't see it.

    • @SD45-ET44AC
      @SD45-ET44AC Год назад +4

      Well I’m sorry you had negative experiences. We had a family emergency and had to fly back to our home in the USA. They were extremely accommodating helping us get train tickets to Paris, stopping in an unscheduled port near industries and had a pre paid car to the train station. It would have been nice to get some kind of a comp separate from insurance for the balance of our cruise ( it was the start of Day 2.) But in our rush to get home they were great.

    • @heathermichael3987
      @heathermichael3987 6 месяцев назад

      I’m really sorry 😞 that’s awful .

  • @barryhaley7430
    @barryhaley7430 Год назад +1

    We have done 3 Ama cruises. The Douro, the Rhine & Moselle and the Rhone. Outstanding all.

  • @UKlelegirl
    @UKlelegirl 2 года назад +5

    Just finishing 7 day cruise on Douro river in Portugal. Very nice. Had a good time. One thing that really spoiled the trip was having a cabin on the starboard side. Going up the river we also docked either against the wall or another ship. Using our balcony was not possible. On the way back down the river they still chose to dock to starboard because of the current. I would highly recommend to future travelers on the Douro river to book cabin on the port side. Cruise director said they dont have any control over which side of the boat they dock to but dont accept that. I know from owning a boat myself that you usually dock the boat into the current.

    • @peterjones6322
      @peterjones6322 5 месяцев назад

      Knowing which way the current runs doesn't necessarily help because you may not know on which side of the river the boat docks. Also if another boat berths next to you, your view will be blocked too.

  • @dennissmasal9803
    @dennissmasal9803 4 года назад +10

    THANKS, I’ve been on two Ama cruises-this is a phenomenal upscale operation,
    I would NEVER book another River Cruise company.
    Great value for your money.
    Today I booked an Eastern trip on the AMAMAGNA for July 2021
    Hopefully virus restrictions will be lifted by then.

  • @barneysmith1650
    @barneysmith1650 Год назад

    Thanks!

  • @DanielleWarren
    @DanielleWarren 3 месяца назад +1

    This was a wonderful overview! Thank you!

  • @grooveman222
    @grooveman222 8 месяцев назад +1

    Thx, your reviews are always insightful and helpful. I'm doing my first river cruise (Danube) in June on AmaWaterways.

  • @suzettecalleja3122
    @suzettecalleja3122 6 лет назад +10

    I love your videos, I look forward to them each week, very informative, never boring. I hate having to wait a WHOLE week before the next one. Thank- You.

    • @tipsfortravellers
      @tipsfortravellers  6 лет назад

      Thanks so much! It’s great to hear you enjoying them. Please keep watching! If there are any topics you think I should cover or want to hear about let me know too as always good to hear what people looking for !

  • @robertcolfack26
    @robertcolfack26 Год назад +1

    Thank you for the information this looks like the perfect river cruise for me, and my wife ... I'm a baby boomer I'm going to look into one of those central Europe cruises.... The ships look to have a larger variety of places to go on the ship.... I like the idea of having a balcony and the ships look more classy in the interior....

  • @dawnmuse6481
    @dawnmuse6481 2 года назад +1

    After seeing this video I asked my AAA travel agent her opinion of cruise lines and she absolutely recommended Ama. It was wonderful!

  • @frankdavin4528
    @frankdavin4528 Год назад +2

    We have just returned to Australia following an AmaWaterways cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest. I totally agree with all your comments Gary. Every aspect of the cruise was exceptional and I can't recommend them highly enough for their attention to every detail. Interestingly, on our cruise, the water levels were very high, preventing many cruise ships from passing under low bridges at the time. We heard that some smaller companies had to bus and hotel passengers for the remainder of their trip, unfortunately. AmaWaterways arranged to transfer all passengers and luggage via bus to a sister ship where the river levels were not a problem. This only took a short time with very little inconvenience to the itinerary. Would definitely choose AmaWaterways for any future cruising trips. Many thanks for your reviews.

  • @Clutching.My.Pearls
    @Clutching.My.Pearls 4 года назад +5

    We have traveled twice on Avalon but have tied up to Amawaterways each time. When we have passed through we have been very jealous to see the splendor of the Amawaterways. I really like the double balcony idea, Avalon eliminates the balcony, which gives you more room and then the windows open fully so you still get the view and a balcony feeling. I'll have to get Amawaterway information for our next cruise and make a comparison on prices. Thanks for this great videos.

    • @JaJa-qt5sf
      @JaJa-qt5sf 2 года назад

      You did Ama Waterways? How was it for you?

  • @gayzell850
    @gayzell850 Год назад

    Went on AmaWaterways on the Danube from Budapest to Nuremberg with my mom and my brother and his wife some years ago. Loved it. Would do it again.

  • @Alsafetyblog1
    @Alsafetyblog1 Год назад

    Gary, thank you for your posts. I enjoy them immensely and I feel comfortable when make a decision on where and on what line to go on a cruise.

  • @Unkn0wnGuy
    @Unkn0wnGuy 5 лет назад +4

    My right ear loved this

  • @balsam777
    @balsam777 3 года назад +1

    Great video, as are all of yours that I've seen. I love ama ❤️. Am going on the Rhine Christmas Markets Cruise in a few weeks.

  • @JZ6563
    @JZ6563 6 лет назад +9

    My wife and I are taking AMA on the Rhine in April of ‘19. You mentioned gratuities are not included, how does tipping/ gratuities work on a river cruise then? Do you tip each individual at the time of service or is it a bundled tip at the end of the cruise? Thanks in advance for your guidance! BTW, love your videos!

  • @LeToile9
    @LeToile9 8 дней назад

    Very good and informative video. This seems to be the best choice so far (possibly also Avalon) A quick question please. O am a non smoker, BUT, I do occasionally enjoy a cigar after dinner. Will this be possible somewhere onboard?

  • @Viperbob
    @Viperbob 6 лет назад +3

    Another great review for sure. We went on ?Grand Circle cruise line a few years back. We will look into this cruise line a check them out. Thanks for a great look at them.

  • @boomerrangerron
    @boomerrangerron 6 лет назад +4

    Great video and tips! We’ve booked our 50 th wedding anniversary cruise for September 2019 on AMA Waterways on the AMA Sonata! Looking forward to our Danube River Cruise 🚢

  • @TsterMr63
    @TsterMr63 8 месяцев назад

    Thanks for the review! We're in the process of booking a family reunion next summer and your video has been very helpful.

  • @alexharris5985
    @alexharris5985 2 года назад

    Thanks very much, you provide a GREAT service and a comprehensive thorough presentation 👍

  • @pippasmith4813
    @pippasmith4813 5 лет назад +1

    We went on a Danube River cruise from Vilosfen to Budapest and it was fabulous. However, as Australians we were not able to book directly via the American site. They directed us to APT in Australia who only offered the west to east cruise at a rate $2,000 more that what was advertised for other countries. I can only assume this is because they have to charter the boats and crew to do the upriver route. That didn't suit our itinerary so we were forced to try other options through agents etc to get the route and dates we wanted. Unnecessary hassle but the cruise was memorable

  • @kickndaddy6398
    @kickndaddy6398 Год назад

    I am/was a photographer from Los Angeles and had the pleasure of photographing the owner's wedding. Then many company functions as well. What I can say about AMA Waterways is "what a fabulous company". Wonderful people from top to bottom. I moved away and lost contact but have nothing but fond memories of working with such thoughtful, caring and fun loving people. Happy touring.

  • @sleepy314
    @sleepy314 3 года назад +1

    9:31. The chess set is set up wrong. The white corner square should be on your right.

  • @joliettraveler
    @joliettraveler 2 года назад

    You have convinced me. I am going to investigate their offerings.

  • @costeljable
    @costeljable 3 года назад

    I’m so excited for our Danube Cruise 2021!!
    Looking forward to all of it!!

  • @patrickmooney4135
    @patrickmooney4135 6 лет назад +2

    Thanks Gary! My audio was fine, by the way.

  • @kebul2000
    @kebul2000 6 месяцев назад

    Ama are great they look after you, foods brilliant, staff very professional & excursions hav different levels for different fitness levels gentle walks to hiking walks

  • @charleswyke-smith8781
    @charleswyke-smith8781 2 года назад

    Very informative - just the info I need - btw, there is sound only on the right channel :)

  • @tomahawktom7595
    @tomahawktom7595 Месяц назад

    Than is for the tips

  • @JBM425
    @JBM425 11 месяцев назад

    As this video is five years old, could you do an update about AMA and Viking river cruises? I’m sure there are some changes post-COVID.

  • @pm6613
    @pm6613 5 лет назад

    In my experience. all of these river cruise companies offer mostly the same trip and level of comfort and service. Some ships have dedicated secondary restaurants (a waste of valuable real estate IMO), fitness rooms or not, and other extras. They are all well-staffed, wine with evening meals, etc. Always a value-packed experience. Danube water levels may be a problem at the end of a dry summer, but the tour operator will get you there by land if need be.

  • @tomshourd2601
    @tomshourd2601 3 года назад +2

    Do you use booking agents for river cruises? If so can you provide recommendations for companies? Thank you

    • @luciedaigle3715
      @luciedaigle3715 2 года назад

      Always use a travel agent to book your vacation, they're the specialist of many lines, itineraries, and a lot more to help you to plan the best for you! I've got a lot of experience in many products!

  • @gordon8819
    @gordon8819 2 года назад

    Very helpful..... Thank you!

  • @clement2780
    @clement2780 4 года назад +1

    Do river cruise excursion include art galleries tickets , palaces admission or ancient ruins? or museum tickets?

  • @kirstenbirkeland
    @kirstenbirkeland 8 месяцев назад

    Thoughts on tipping? both for individual staff onboard (or is it intended to be a one-tip-for-all situation?) - and also is it expected to tip local tour guides, etc.? Thanks in advance for input

  • @TalesFromTheBlahSide
    @TalesFromTheBlahSide 3 года назад +1

    another great video, thank you

  • @richardgotshall2703
    @richardgotshall2703 7 месяцев назад

    We are looking at an AMA Netherlands cruise next spring. We took a Danube cruise 20 years ago, so we are acquainted with river cruising. What is the expected tipping amount for onboard staff? The fare says tips for guides and drivers is included.

  • @maurieshakespeare5835
    @maurieshakespeare5835 5 лет назад +1

    G'day Gary, Love your videos, the information is invaluable. I was wondering if you have tried Crystal River Cruises yet? We are strong Crystal supporters and considering our first river cruise mid 2021.

  • @caromitchell1125
    @caromitchell1125 3 года назад

    Thanks Gary bring U.K. based thinking of a European river cruise next year. AMA look lovely particularly food and casual attire!
    Do they let you take booze on board? My husband likes a whisky at bedtime.

    • @NoZenith
      @NoZenith 3 года назад

      I doubt they're going to check your luggage like they would on an airplane 😁

  • @clement2780
    @clement2780 4 года назад

    in other words would you rather visit dresden or prague by elbe river cruise or land bus tour; seville granada cordoba by guadalquivir river , bus train tour or ocean cruise?

  • @EntertainmentWorldz
    @EntertainmentWorldz 6 лет назад +1

    Fantastic video congratulations
    dear Friend love it. Really enjoyed. Thumbs up.
    Wishing you good health and beautiful Time.
    God bless you

  • @claytonduguay9617
    @claytonduguay9617 6 лет назад +4

    I'm curios if you are allowed to bring your own alcohol on board, like locally purchased wine, and drink it in your cabin? I know ocean cruise lines don't allow it and will hold alcohol purchases until the end of the cruise.

    • @tipsfortravellers
      @tipsfortravellers  6 лет назад +1

      Unlike ocean lines you can. But as drink is included with meals usually few people drink their own

  • @sleepy314
    @sleepy314 5 лет назад +10

    Note... I only hear the right channel... no biggie

  • @patricksp71
    @patricksp71 6 лет назад +1

    I just wanted to let you know Adventures by Disney uses this cruise line for their family guided tours.

  • @b-lew777
    @b-lew777 Месяц назад

    Do you prefer AMA over viking?

  • @gj7451
    @gj7451 6 лет назад +2

    What about how river cruises manage safety onboard, evacuations etc.

    • @tipsfortravellers
      @tipsfortravellers  6 лет назад +2

      It is easier as the ships are very close to land at all times. They give safety briefings but not as detailed as on ocean

  • @kjh789az
    @kjh789az 6 лет назад

    Thank you for this description which gives a good insight into key aspects of the AMA offering.(Unusually, the stereosound is weaker on the left chanel.)

  • @1972TAH
    @1972TAH 6 лет назад +2

    AmaWaterways is by far the best river cruise, it has won the title multiple years, best food too. My wife and I did the Budapest to Nuremburg (plus onto Prague) cruise and it was amazing. During the summers you will be seeing a lot more families on board as Disney has partnered with Ama for their Adventures by Disney.

  • @kchez110
    @kchez110 5 лет назад +1

    I need this. Going on AMA cruise the second week in November. Most curious is what to wear, knowing that I'll overpack. Are tours ever canceled due to weather?

  • @karenbryant3923
    @karenbryant3923 Год назад

    Gary, is there a slight reduction in fare if a couple absolutely does not drink wine, beer, and sodas?

  • @clement2780
    @clement2780 5 лет назад

    are there chances for free exploring on your own, given river cruises are much nearer, closer to destinations than ocean cruises? just going on your own, knowing departure time, and mastering public transport, which are the must see, visit sights?

    • @richardgotshall2703
      @richardgotshall2703 7 месяцев назад

      Many itineraries include a couple of half-days of free time. One reason for scheduled tours is to get everyone OFF the boat in the morning so the crew can clean the cabins more easily. If you don’t want to do a day’s tour, ask the cruise director for permission to go on your own. But make sure you don’t go off on your own on a day when the boat sails to a new city during the day. The tour groups will end at the new site. But you would have to make the trip on your own.

  • @rogerbellfield8817
    @rogerbellfield8817 6 лет назад +1

    Always a great video. Having following you for some time now. Always done ocean cruises but what do you think of APT river cruises - have one booked for next year?
    Regards and keep up the advise!
    Roger

  • @tmcleodjr
    @tmcleodjr 3 года назад +1

    That should be "high crew to passenger ratio," I think.

  • @clement2780
    @clement2780 4 года назад

    which lines sail guadalquivir, Loire, Elbe, Main, most if not all lines seem to offer danube rhine; how is seine, douro, rhone saone? which places are better by river cruise vs land bus train tour packages or rental car?

  • @yukiefromoz2573
    @yukiefromoz2573 5 лет назад

    Sounds similar to Viking we did.

  • @antoniogomes4541
    @antoniogomes4541 5 лет назад

    Can you suggest some european tours that allow for children ?

  • @catprog
    @catprog 6 лет назад +1

    I wonder if their are any fares that do not include accommodation.

  • @Dangic23
    @Dangic23 5 лет назад +1

    I always wanted to River Cruise since I was 25 years old. I guess I was a boomer at heart...lol.
    Too expensive for me at the time.
    I'm 45 now, but lived in Germany for 4 years, so I pretty much visited all the towns on the cruise route....but by car...lol.
    Still have the river cruise on my bucket list.

  • @zagonde
    @zagonde 6 лет назад +1

    7:25 What is that building and where is it?

    • @brianking768
      @brianking768 6 лет назад +3

      Hungarian Parliament in Budapest

  • @clement2780
    @clement2780 4 года назад

    do you know any river cruises which visit Leipzig Bergamo Madrid Zwickau Eisenach Pesaro Siena Padova Ravenna Orvieto Halle

  • @ghulamsakhi-v7y
    @ghulamsakhi-v7y Год назад

    How mooch?

  • @sleepy314
    @sleepy314 6 лет назад +2

    my audio seems to not be there. RUclips rendering problem?

    • @richard_ager
      @richard_ager 6 лет назад +2

      I had a partial audio problem with the video. The sound was coming only from one of my twin speakers.

    • @cecilianilsson1594
      @cecilianilsson1594 6 лет назад

      @@richard_ager no sound at all :-(

    • @sleepy314
      @sleepy314 6 лет назад +2

      Richard Ager thanks. I guess I had one of my earbuds in.... sound is only on right channel.

    • @mariblue72
      @mariblue72 6 лет назад +1

      ​@@sleepy314 I had the same issue with my headphones (not earbuds) - sound only through the right. I didn't really notice it until the outro music, then I couldn't unnotice it.

    • @tipsfortravellers
      @tipsfortravellers  6 лет назад

      Thanks for letting me know. It seems only audio on one channel so on earphones only coming through on one side. I’ll try and see what issue is.

  • @ymoralesesq
    @ymoralesesq 6 лет назад +2

    I just did an Avalon Waterways cruise... Which would you prefer, Avalon or AmaWaterways? I originally wanted AMA but the group I was with chose Avalon...

    • @tipsfortravellers
      @tipsfortravellers  6 лет назад +4

      I really like both a lot and would gladly recommend either. I found AmaWaterways more upmarket and had extra touches and even better food (with Avalon setting a high standard). They are a bit more expensive usually too so it’s that balance I guess too.

    • @ymoralesesq
      @ymoralesesq 6 лет назад +1

      Tips For Travellers Thank you! I think next time I’ll try AMA...

    • @jow84it41
      @jow84it41 6 лет назад +1

      @Tips For Travellers and what about Viking? Where do you think it fits with Avalon and AmaWaterways?

    • @davidrockwell3757
      @davidrockwell3757 2 года назад +1

      Ama is, by far, a better choice if you factor in dining, itinerary, attention to passenger desires. It us a step-up
      over Avalon. It is worth the price.

  • @barbsaw7002
    @barbsaw7002 5 лет назад

    not worth it to go ,did the Rhine cruise last month ...

  • @adrianvaniersel9319
    @adrianvaniersel9319 4 года назад

    Poor sound quality

  • @ljacobs357
    @ljacobs357 5 лет назад +1

    Yes children. No me. Too small a vessel to have children. Sorry.