What To Expect On An AmaWaterways River Cruise

When you book a river cruise for the first time, it is hard to envisage what to expect. Well, with AmaWaterways, expect the unexpected! AmaWaterways is unlike most of her competitors, and you are in for a real treat. I was so impressed when I was given a tour of the beautiful AmaKristina in Amsterdam before the pandemic, and knew I had to share her delights with you.

Imagine a Floating Boutique Hotel

Where ocean cruises may be reminiscent of 5 Star glitzy hotels, an AmaWaterways ship feels more like the most luxurious and desirable of boutique hotels.

AmaWaterways Staterooms and Suites

AmaPrima Suite with River View. Image: AmaWaterways

As with any boutique hotel, your accommodation is of prime importance to ensure your enjoyment. On an AmaWaterways ship you can expect extra spacious luxuriously appointed staterooms and suites (160 - 710 sq. ft.) with French balconies, AmaWaterways’ signature twin-balconies or even full balconies. There are connecting staterooms if required, as well as triple and quad accommodations on the newest generation of ships, and of course each stateroom has an ever-changing spectacular view - from terraced vineyards to fairy-tale castles and towering spires, there is always something to see on the river.

Stateroom features include stylish décor inspired by the destination, with in-room temperature control; luxurious marble-appointed bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads, a large wardrobe with full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone. There is Flat-screen TV that also works as a computer; Entertainment-on-Demand system providing complimentary TV (English-language on European Fleet), movies and music library and, of course, complimentary hi-speed internet and Wi-Fi. You will also receive complimentary bottled water replenished daily

The AmaWaterways Onboard Experience

If you enjoy the luxury of personal space, you may imagine that a river cruise might be just that bit too intrusive. However with an average of only around 156 guests on each twin-balcony ship, you can expect a far more intimate onboard experience than you might think.

AmaPrima Pool with Swim-up Bar. Image: AmaWaterways

There are lounges with panoramic windows to view the ever-changing scenery, whilst enjoying a speciality coffee, a pre-dinner cocktail or even a celebratory glass of bubbles. Head up to the Sun Deck with its pool and swim-up bar, and even some whirlpools on selected ships. Burn off the delicious dining on the walking tracks or in the fitness centres; and indulge your self with a massage or a visit to the hair salon. You can even get a manicure and pedicure on AmaMagna.

Dining on an AmaWaterways Ship

Breakfast on Deck on AmaPrima Image: AmaWaterways

Firstly it is important to note, that all onboard dining, as well as unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, is included so you can indulge whenever and however (and how often) you’d like. There are also specialty coffee and tea stations available 24/7 on European ships. Complimentary unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juices are available with breakfast, at tea time and with all-day tapas (European fleet). And be sure not to miss the Sip & Sail daily cocktail hour with complimentary wine, beer and spirits (European fleet).

AmaWaterways are renown for their award-winning traditional and regionally inspired cuisine, that is locally sourced and made with only the freshest ingredients, prepared by expert chefs. There are a choice of multiple dining venues to enjoy: The Main Restaurant for a full service meal; or maybe you prefer a lighter lunch or tapas and snacks in the Main Lounge (I can assure you that these are delicious, having sampled one or two on my brief visit.

Tea Time on AmaPrima. Image: AmaWaterways

All AmaWaterways ships in Europe are members of La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs – a prestigious international culinary society. Not to be missed is the exclusive Chef’s Table specialty restaurant (complimentary), where the kitchen becomes part of the entertainment. You’ll have the opportunity to watch the chef prepare a special multi-course meal right in front of you - a truly distinct gastronomic experience. Indulge in delectable dishes served with unlimited fine wines, hand-selected just for this dinner. It is the only venue of its kind on the river. On AmaMagna, there are additional choices of dining venues including Jimmy’s and vegetable-forward Al Fresco. If you prefer your own company, Private Riverview Dining Options are available for guests that would like to enjoy delicious cuisine in their own stateroom.

What is there to do on an AmaWaterways River Cruise?

If you can tear yourself away from the delicious food and spectacular views, there is a host of activities onboard and ashore that you can enjoy. These include lectures, theme dinners and onboard performances tailored to the destination. You will find well-equipped fitness centres and rejuvenating wellness activities on board.

Bicycles alongside AmaBella Image: AmaWaterways

In port, you will have a wide choice of included expertly guided shore excursions with the use of Quietvox personal audio headsets. These include exclusive culinary-themed special interest tours, expanded guided bicycle and hiking tours (bicycles and helmets provided free of charge) as well as walking tours geared for different activity levels. There are also optional two or three-day pre- and post-cruise land extensions for every cruise which are led by the Cruise Managers, offering new ways to explore fascinating cities such as Paris, Prague, Madrid, Lisbon, Bucharest, Amsterdam, Budapest, Istanbul, Nice, Munich and Zurich; and for 2021, Istanbul, Nice, Dubai, Jerusalem, Amman, Petra, Lake Como, Geneva, St. Malo and the Champagne region of France.

Find out more about AmaWaterways

Check out my web page dedicated to AmaWaterways which features my latest blog posts and links to all of the individual ships.

To book visit AmaWaterways direct or contact your specialist river cruise travel agent.

What to Expect on an AmaWaterways River Cruise