Questions and Answers on AmaWaterways European River Cruise

Posted on April 24, 2015 by Jan European Barging & River Cruises

Our questions and answers on AmaWaterways European River Cruises are to provide information on what make AmaWaterways a great River Cruise company for your European River Cruise We can assist in finding the perfect cruise. Call us Europeanbarging.com – 888-869-7907

AmaLegro docked at night

Is Internet available onboard?
High-speed Internet service is available free of charge as part of the in-stateroom “Infotainment System.” Additionally, AmaWaterways offers complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship.

What is the dress code?
We recommend country club casual for dinner. Guests typically wear dressier attire for the Captain’s Gala dinner.

Is there an elevator on board?
Elevators are available onboard all vessels reaching the two highest passenger decks, reception area and restaurant. Elevator does nto go down to the lower cabin decks. Staircase from lower deck to 2nd deck is a spiral staircase.

What time is embarkation?
Official embarkation time is 3 p.m. for all ships. This allows the staff to prepare your stateroom and have the ship ready for the next departure. If you arrive earlier, you may check your luggage on board, and then explore the embarkation port city.

What time is disembarkation?
Official disembarkation time is 9 a.m. You may disembark earlier if the ship is moored in the location you are disembarking in, and you may disembark later providing you have vacated your stateroom and checked out before 9 a.m.

What language is spoken on board?
The official language on board is English on all ships. Most crew members speak fluent English. All announcements and lectures will be presented in English. All locals guides are fluent in English.

What are the tipping guidelines?
Gratuities to your Cruise Manager and ship crew are not included in the vacation price. While the amount of these gratuities will depend upon your degree of satisfaction for services received, many of our clients have asked us for general tipping guidelines. Here are our recommendations:

For good service, we recommend 3 Euros per passenger, per day for the Cruise Manager and 12 Euros per passenger, per day for the crew, which will be divided up among the ship’s personnel. It is also customary to acknowledge a particularly good performance of a local guide by leaving a tip of 1-2 Euros per tour. Gratuities on most vessels, but not all, may be charged on credit card as well as cash.

Is smoking allowed on board?
Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside any of the ships. Smoking is only permitted on the Sun Deck. For the safety and comfort of all passengers on board, your cooperation in observing the no-smoking policy is greatly appreciated.

What amenities are available in the staterooms?
Each stateroom is equipped with a hair dryer, plush terry bathrobes, slippers and a safe. Your bathroom offers a magnifying mirror and spa-quality toiletries including soaps, body wash, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion.

Are there phones in the staterooms?
Each stateroom has its own telephone, along with instructions for use. Phones may be used to call from stateroom to stateroom and ship to shore. Since the telephone system functions via GSM, there may be times, depending on location, when service is unavailable. Any charges for calls will be billed to your shipboard account. Please inquire at the reception desk for rates.

Is air conditioning available in the staterooms?
All staterooms in are equipped with individual climate control. If you have any questions regarding your stateroom’s temperature control, please refer to the instructions or check with the reception desk.

Is there a Fitness Center on board?
Each ship has a fitness room with a selection of exercise equipment. Use of the equipment is at the sole risk of the user. Hours of operation vary according to the ship. There is no attendant on duty and therefore, without limitation, AmaWaterways and its affiliates are not responsible for any injuries sustained during the use of the fitness room.

What electrical current is on the ship?
Electricity on board all ships is 220v, with 2-pin power outlets. You will need an adapter, and/or converter depending on which electrical appliances you bring with you.

Is there laundry service on board?
Laundry services are available on board for a fee. Price lists are available in your stateroom. Please note that clothes cannot be dry cleaned on board.

Are there medical facilities on board?
There are no medical facilities on board. However medical services can easily be called from shore if required.

Are bicycles available?
Each ship has a limited number of bicycles and helmets available for use when the ship is docked. When appropriate, a sign-up sheet is used to request the bicycles. Use of the bicycles is at your own risk. Therefore, without limitation, AmaWaterways and all of its affiliates are not responsible for any injuries sustained during their use.

Are all meals included on board?
All meals on board the ships are included in the cruise price. Meals are served in the dining room in a single seating. For dinner, passengers will be seated by a dining room host.

What type of cuisine is served on board?
All meals are skillfully prepared by European chefs and consist of Continental cuisine
made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible. Breakfast is buffet-style with selections available from the menu as well. Lunch is also buffet-style with salads, soups and a selection of hot buffet items, hot entrees and desserts. Dinner is a multi-course meal with a choice of delicious entrees, including a vegetarian option.

What is the beverage policy on board?
Coffee and tea are available free of charge throughout the day and during meals. Specialty coffees, such as espresso and café latte are also available free of charge. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are available at additional cost. During lunch and dinner, local wines soft drinks and beer are available on a complimentary basis. Complimentary bottled water is replenished daily.

Are excursions included?
A sightseeing tour is included in each city or town you visit, along with free time to explore the city according to your own interests. The sightseeing tours can take place on foot, via motor coach, or a combination of the two. Each tour is led by a qualified, licensed English-speaking local guide or your Cruise Manager. In addition to our Gentle and Active Walkers groups noted in our Health and Well-Being section, for some excursions, we have a “Late Starter” option for guests who wish to sleep in but do not want to miss key tour highlights. For those guests interested in exploring Europe from an exciting new perspective, we offer guided bicycle tours in select cities (capacity controlled). In the event of water level problems on certain stretches of the river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motor coach or to alter the daily program as determined by the ship’s Captain.

Are audio sets provided during the tours?
During shore excursions, we provide a sophisticated audio headset system that allows guests to comfortably listen to their tour guide while taking photos or admiring some of Europe’s hidden gems.

Is there a beauty salon on board?
Various beauty and hair treatments as well as massages are available on board. Please inquire at the reception desk for a list of services and to schedule an appointment.

Is there a gift shop on board?
The ship has an onboard gift shop that sells accessories, souvenirs, gifts, and a limited selection of personal and toiletry items. Opening hours vary according to itinerary.

Is there a pool on board?
All ships are equipped with a whirlpool or heated swimming pool, perfect for a refreshing dip. Saunas are available on select ships. There is no attendant on duty and use of these facilities is at the sole risk of the user. AMAWATERWAYS and its affiliates are not responsible for any injuries sustained during the use of the whirlpool, pool or sauna.
Please note there is no attendant on duty and use of these facilities is solely at your own risk.

What is the minimum age to travel with AmaWaterways?
All guests under the age of 18 are to be in a cabin with an adult, and must remain supervised at all times, and their safety is the responsibility of the accompanying adult(s). Children between the ages of 4 – 10 at the time of embarkation may share a cabin with 2 adults provided the child is able to share the bed with the adults – no additional bed will be provided. Please be aware that balcony cabins of any kind may be unsafe for small children if left unsupervised. Children 4-7 years old are not recommended on any program and on our Africa program, due to safety precautions, there is a minimum age limit of 12 years old, unless otherwise agreed upon by AmaWaterways. AmaWaterways does not provide child-specific programs or child-minding facilities. Please let us know if you need anything else.

Short River Cruises in Europe

Posted on April 2, 2015 by Jan European Barging & River Cruises

For business travelers, or travelers in general going to Europe that have a few extra days, these 3 – 5 day river cruises are a great way to experience a river cruise and see some great sites. With the cruise, the rate includes the cruise, all meals and a beverage package with most drinks (alcohol and non-alcohol).

River cruise itineraries involve voyages through countries such as Italy, Czech Republic, Hungary, Netherlands, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, and more without the typical inconveniences of unpacking and packing. Their ‘Floating Hotels’ cruise by gorgeous villages, cities, vineyards, and castles.

On the Rhine, various itineraries depart from Basel, Mainz, and Amsterdam.

On the Danube, the voyages depart from Germany (near Munich), in Passau, and cruise to the Hungarian and Austrian capitals of Budapest and Vienna.

In Italy, they provide round trip cruises out of Venice and visit intriguing cities such as Parma, Ferrara, and Verona.

France offers many short river cruise itineraries: roundtrip Bordeaux in southwest France, roundtrip Nantes in the Loire Valley, round trip and one way itineraries between Paris and Honfleur on the Seine River and round-trip on the Rhone from Lyon, France to the Beaujolais and Burgundy wine regions and Mediterranean-style cities of Arles and Avignon and one-way in between Avignon and Lyon.

Check out our 20% OFF SHORT RIVER CRUISES TILL June 30, 2015.

Ama River Cruise Advantage on Excursions and Dining

Posted on March 9, 2015 by Jan European Barging & River Cruises

AmaPrima River Cruise cabin with French doors

Travelers will cruise in absolute luxury aboard the AmaWaterways’ river cruise ships – complete with spacious staterooms, on-board entertainment and Internet/WiFi access. Fine dining in multiple venues, complimentary wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch and dinner and cabins with French doors (some ships have useable balconies) are just some of the amenities available aboard the cruise.

When your ship docks in the heart of town, stroll ashore for included excursions or set off to explore on a complimentary bicycle. Unpack just once then settle in as each destination comes to you. With no need to navigate from place to place, you’ll find a sense of adventure and a sense of home all in one vacation.

In order to accommodate each and every passenger’s pace, AmaWaterways offers a “Gentle Walkers” group, for those who’d like to explore at a more leisurely pace. Wherever possible, we also offer an “Active Walkers” group for those interested in covering more ground; and a “Late Starter” group for those who prefer to sleep in. AmaWaterways also offers multiple tours in each port for those that might have visited the area before at no additional charge.

AmaWaterways is the only river cruise line that carries more than two dozen bicycles and safety helmets, free for you to use throughout Europe.

The bicycles give you the freedom to venture out and explore the riverside bike-ways or participate in complimentary guided bicycle tours. Whether you join a guided bike tour or explore on your own, our user-friendly bicycles offer the ultimate in touring freedom.

Amawaterways is proud to be the only river cruise line invited to join one of the world’s most prestigious culinary organizations founded in 1950 in Paris. Every AmaWaterways vessel cruising in Europe is an official member of La Chaine des Rotisseurs. Membership is considered an achievement of world-class culinary achievement.

AmaWaterways offers cruises on the Mosel, Rhine and Danube in Germany, Douro in Portugal, the Rhone and Saone in France as well as Bordeaux for 2015. The Danube River from Germany through Austria and Hungary to the Black Sea. There are many Themed cruises – such as Christmas Markets, Wine, Beer and Tulip cruises.

Check the “Special Offers” section on the front page of our website for special offers on AmaWaterways River Cruises in Europe. 888-869-7907

http://www.europeanbarging.com/River_cruises

Visit the Baroque Stift Gottweig Monastery on a River Cruise to Austria

Posted on May 5, 2014 by Jan European Barging & River Cruises

The Benedictine Stift Gottweig Monastery stands on the eastern edge of the famous Danube valley area, the Wachau which is among Austria’s most famous wine regions. On the southern banks of the Danube, opposite to the town of Krems, the monastery is positioned 449 meters above sea level. Given its peculiar placement on the Göttweiger Berg mountain, it is also known as the “Austrian Montecassino”.

Established by Saint Altmann, the bishop of Passau in 1083, the Stift Gottweig Monastery was handed over to the Benedictines in 1094. Since then, forestry and wine-growing have substantially anchored the local economy with great emphasis on the development of the wine-growing industry.

The old cloister of the monastery was destroyed in 1718 following a great fire. After that, the construction of baroque buildings was executed according to the plans of architect Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt. The major attractions in the monastery are the museum in the imperial wing which is one of Austria’s most important museums; the imperial staircase under a marvelous ceiling fresco painted by Paul Troger in 1739; the monastery church with crypt and cloister and the imperial and princes’ rooms. All these attractions held in the Stift Gottweig Monastery rank high among Austria’s religious and artistic sites.

History of the Stift Gottweig Monastery

As stated earlier, the Stift Gottweig was founded by Saint Altmann, the bishop of Passau in 1083 as a monastery of canons regular and later handed over to the Benedictines in 1094. Prior Hartmann of St. Blaise’s Abbey in the Black Forest was elected abbot. Under his direction (1094–1114) the monastery transformed into a prestigious seat of learning and stern monastic observance He established a monastic school, set up a library, and built a nunnery at the foot of the hill where it is believed that Ava, the earliest German language poetess known by name (d. 1127), lived as an anchorite. The nunnery was later on shifted to the top of the hill and stayed there until 1557.

However, the abbey began to diminish so swiftly between the 15th and 16th centuries that it was without any abbot at all between 1556 and 1564. By 1564, there was not even a single monk left in the abbey. During these critical circumstances, an imperial deputation turned up at Göttweig, and elected Michael Herrlich, a monk of Melk Abbey, as abbot. The new abbot, who continued his office until 1604, reinstated the monastery both spiritually and financially. He got it rebuilt after it had been almost entirely engulfed by fire in 1580.

The Wine

Stift Gottweig has an extensive wine estate with the most important sites being Gottschelle, Silberbichl and Göttweiger Berg. This wine estate has the honor of being among the first producers to offer KREMSTAL DAC wines. The varietal breakdown consists of Grüner Veltliner, 60%; Riesling, 30%; Chardonnay, 4%; and Pinot Noir, 6%. The Göttweiger Messwein, or Altar wine, for centuries, has been a tradition in this Benedictine abbey.

The Silberbichl is a wide terrace vineyard positioned above the Danube River and was recognized as a site already in 1562. It is composed of “old Danube” gravel and weathered stone which are covered with loess. “Silber“ (silver) in the name Silberbichl possibly comes from “Glimmer” (mica-slate) which is present in large prices here while “Bichl” is a variation of “Bühel”, or hill.

The site which faces southeast is situated in the wine-growing region of Wachau. Riesling is largely planted here because it is perfectly suited to the soil. Other wines grown in this area are Göttweiger Berg Wines and Gottschelle Wines.

Call us to book your holiday on our Danube River cruise to Austria and visit the splendid Benedictine Stift Gottweig Monastery!

For more information contact: Europeanbarging, 888-869-7907, jan@europeanbarging.com

Schonbrunn Palace is Culture to the World

Posted on September 27, 2013 by Jan European Barging & River Cruises

The Beautiful Schonbrunn Palace

Schönbrunn Palace is a former imperial 1,441-room Rococo summer residence in modern Vienna, Austria. One of the most important cultural monuments in the country, since the 1960s it has been one of the major tourist attractions in Vienna. In addition to the Palace, there are beautiful gardens featuring formal flowerbeds, fountains and statues. In 1996, the Palace and Gardens were listed in the UNESCO World Culture Site.

Schonbrunn Palace, in additional to being a world famous culture site is also still used for political meetings and state dinners. The splendor of the Habsburgs property draws in tourist and keeps them coming back time after time.

During the summer, there are many concerts held at the Palace, including the Schonbrunn Palace Orchestra and the Schoenbrunn Palace Ensemble with concerts in the Orangerie. The Vienna Philharmonic Free Summer Night Concert will be held at Schonbrunn May 29, 2014 with special guest performer Lang Lang and conducted by Christoph Eschenbach.
In the winter, there is an Art and Christmas Market in front of the Palace, between Nov 22 – Dec 1, 2014. The Christmas Market will run from Dec 2 – Dec 26, 2014.

Bring the Kids to the Children’s Museum

The palace offers tours that take visitors through the original family rooms, showing the lifestyle of the past. The ceremonial and residential rooms are fully furnished within the palace giving off the feeling that someone could still reside in the monuments. The gardens feature a labyrinth and a maze. The palace also features a children’s museum that is a great experience for children.

Cruise to the Schonbrunn Palace

Many Danube River Cruises offer excursions to the Hapsburg Summer Palace – Schonbrunn. Known as the resident of Empress Sisi and Emperor Ferdinand II, the palace is one of Europe’s most impressive Baroque palace complexes. We offer 5 – 8 night Danube River Cruises, many of which offer an excursion to Schonbrunn Palace. If you are interested in exploring on your own, the Palace offers several tours themselves.