Exploring the River: Avalon vs. AmaWaterways
River cruising offers a unique blend of luxury and exploration, allowing travelers to meander through picturesque landscapes while indulging in exceptional onboard experiences. When it comes to river cruising, two prominent names often stand out: Avalon Waterways and AmaWaterways. While both promise unforgettable journeys along the waterways of the world, they each offer distinct features that cater to different preferences and travel styles. Let's delve into the top five differences between Avalon River Cruises and AmaWaterways, empowering you to make an informed choice for your next river adventure.
Distinctive Onboard Spaces:
Avalon River Cruises boasts a club lounge situated at the back of the ship, providing a serene setting to unwind and enjoy panoramic views of the passing scenery (plus delicious snacks available at all times!). On the other hand, AmaWaterways showcases its culinary prowess with the included Chef's Table experience, where guests can indulge in exquisite, multi-course tasting menus paired with fine wines.?
Bed Layout and Outdoor Spaces
Avalon's staterooms feature beds positioned to face the river, allowing guests to wake up to breathtaking vistas each morning. However, it's worth noting that Avalon doesn't offer traditional outdoor balcony rooms, but rather Panorama Suites which brings your balcony indoors. Conversely, AmaWaterways provides various stateroom configurations, including those with outdoor balconies, offering guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the riverbanks.
Excursion Options and Flexibility
Both cruise lines offer included excursions to their guests; however, overall, our experience is that AmaWaterways has a few more included offerings, while there are some Avalon excursions that are an additional fee. While both cruise lines have a mix of excursions, Avalon has made a name for itself in the market with their Active & Discovery cruises, which goes beyond the traditional classic tours. One other noteworthy difference in the excursions is that with AmaWaterways, you can choose your preferred activities on a day-to-day basis. This provides a blend of structured and spontaneous exploration, catering to different interests and preferences.
Dining Experiences
Both cruise lines offer a buffet-style breakfast and lunch, complemented by a selection of a la carte options. However, AmaWaterways distinguishes itself with a more extensive array of a la carte choices for breakfast and lunch, catering to varying tastes and preferences. Moreover, AmaWaterways elevates the dining experience with its inclusive Chef's Table, a culinary extravaganza showcasing the talents of onboard chefs and sommeliers, further enhancing the gastronomic journey for guests.
Onboard Atmosphere and Ambiance
Each cruise line cultivates its unique onboard atmosphere, appealing to different sensibilities. Avalon River Cruises exude a contemporary elegance, with spacious lounges and modern design elements creating a sophisticated ambiance. Conversely, AmaWaterways infuses its ships with a warm and inviting atmosphere, characterized by cozy furnishings and attentive service, fostering a sense of camaraderie among guests.
To Sum It Up...
Ultimately, whether you choose Avalon River Cruises or AmaWaterways, you're in for an unforgettable river cruising experience. By considering these top five differences, along with your personal preferences and travel priorities, you can select the cruise line that aligns perfectly with your vision of the perfect river adventure.
When you book with our experts at World of Wonder Travel, we can match you with not only the perfect river cruise line for you, but also make sure that you are on the perfect river! Click here to begin planning your river cruise!
Bon voyage!