What is the Food Like on an AmaWaterways River Cruise?

As I’m a bit of a foodie, when I choose a cruise one influencing factor is the quality (and quantity) of food onboard. I have had a few bad experiences with a couple of other ocean cruise lines where food has let them down and, as a consequence, spoilt my enjoyment.

So I was thrilled to at least have a taster of some delightful tit-bits when I had a tour of AmaKristina back in the winter of 2019. It was clear from the quality and presentation that food was of utmost importance to AmaWaterways. I definitely wanted to know what to expect on a full cruise, so I did a little digging and was highly impressed at what I discovered.

Award-Winning Cuisine on AmaWaterways

This is a big claim - but totally accurate and deserved (click here for list of accolades). AmaWaterways serve traditional and regionally inspired cuisine that is locally sourced and made with only the freshest ingredients, prepared by expert chefs. They also boast an exclusive La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs dining experience, which I admit I had to research.

AmaWaterways was the first river cruise line member of the invitation-only La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, one of the world’s most prestigious international societies “bringing together enthusiasts who share the same values of quality, fine dining, encouragement of the culinary arts and the pleasures of the table”. All the AmaWaterways ships in Europe are members.

What Dining Is Included on an AmaWaterways Cruise?

Ok, I admit I can be a little greedy, and actually have a secret desire to challenge myself one day to try and eat on the hour, every hour, for 24 hours on a cruise. However, that is a bit of a daydream, but I still like to eat well and often when I am on holiday. Also, whilst I would willingly splash out on the odd speciality restaurant, John feels that on a cruise food should be good enough as standard, rather than requiring a supplement for ‘better’ (even though I tell him to think of it as ‘different’), So the more that is included in the price, the better for my marital harmony.

Which Restaurants Are Included on an AmaWaterways?

I was delighted to discover that ALL restaurants are included in the AmaWaterways Cruise price, and whilst there are speciality restaurants (and more on that below), these don’t carry any additional cost. So whether it’s fine dining or a quick snack, it’s all included.

Which meals are included on AmaWaterways?

From embarkation onwards, you will definitely be well-fed, On boarding you can expect light buffet set up in the lounge, including sandwiches and soups. As well as the usual staple three meals (breakfast with bubbles and fresh juices either in the lounge (for early risers) main restaurant or, if you prefer, in your cabin or balcony; lunch in the Main Dining Room from the menu of the day, and of course a delicious 5 course dinner. ), a selection of tapas is available in the lounge throughout the day. Afternoon tea is also served in the Main Lounge, plus snacks if you just can’t wait for dinner. Private Riverview Dining Options are also available for guests that would like to enjoy delicious cuisine in their own stateroom.

Speciality Dining on AmaWaterways

This is where AmaWaterways differs from some of its River Cruise competitors. On each ship you will find The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant, the only venue of its kind on the rivers, featuring a multi-course tasting menu, complimentary on board all ships.

What is The Chef’s Table on AmaWaterways?

Unique to AmaWaterways is The Chefs Table giving each guest the opportunity to experience complimentary award-winning cuisine in an intimate signature dining venue. The Chefs Table features a tasting menu with three appetizers, a champagne sorbet intermezzo, three main courses and three decadent desserts – serving up a variety of regional specialties and traditional dishes.

At the Chef’s Table - which seats 28 guests per evening - a demonstration kitchen is part of the entertainment as passengers watch the chef prepare an exquisite multi-course dinner. Each course is paired perfectly with a hand-selected regional wine - and the best part is that even this is complimentary..

AmaMagna Additional Dining Options

On AmaMagna, the flagship of AmaWaterways, being twice the width of traditional European river ships means there is more space for additional dining venues. In addition to those mentioned above, you can choose to dine in one of two new dining venues: Jimmy’s, a family-style restaurant (named after AmaWaterways’ late Co-Owner Jimmy Murphy), and the Al Fresco Restaurant, with retractable windows and outdoor seating, which also offers a range of plant-based options.

What Drinks are Included with AmaWaterways?

Whilst not all drinks are all-inclusive, plenty are, and they are of the highest quality. Complimentary unlimited tea, coffee, chocolate, sparkling wine and fresh juices are available at breakfast. At lunch and dinner hand-selected complimentary unlimited fine wine chosen daily by acclaimed European sommeliers is included. Also beer and soft drinks during lunch and dinner and specialty coffee and tea stations available 24/7 (European fleet). There is also a daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour with complimentary wine, beer and spirits (European fleet) - not to be missed.

AmaWaterways is also a member of La Connétablie de Guyenne – the third oldest vinous brotherhood in Bordeaux. Along with Rudi Schreiner, the award-winning team of corporate chefs oversee all menus (including vegetarian and gluten-free menu options), pairing them with regional wines and incorporating only the very freshest locally sourced ingredients.

So, in summary, if like me you think that food maketh the cruise, I would highly recommend considering an AmaWaterways river cruise for truly award-winning dining complementing the other luxury elements on board.