Setting Sail with AmaWaterways: 21 Reasons to Embark on a River Cruise Journey

Celebrating a remarkable milestone in the world of luxury river cruising, AmaWaterways proudly marks its 21st anniversary. For over two decades, this renowned river cruise line has redefined the art of exploring the waterways of Europe, Africa and Asia, captivating discerning travelers with its exceptional service, exquisite ships and immersive itineraries.

As AmaWaterways enters its third decade of sailing, it continues to push boundaries, offering guests unparalleled experiences enriched by its commitment to innovation, sustainability and personalized attention.

Here are 21 reasons why a transformative AmaWaterways journey should be your next vacation. 

1.      The Chef’s Table

Whether you're a foodie or just looking for an epicurean adventure, the Chef's Table is a must on any AmaWaterways cruise. Limited to 36 guests, the Chef's Table places the kitchen center stage and offers a multi-course tasting menu inspired by the region the ship is sailing through.

Each meal features locally sourced ingredients that are fresh and unique to the location. Typically located at the back of the ship, the restaurant pairs stunning views of the river with an unforgettable dining experience. 

2.      Nightly Entertainment

Part of the excitement of traveling to new destinations is immersing yourself in authentic local culture. AmaWaterways takes pride in curating an array of entertainment options that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. From engaging live performances by local artists, musicians and dancers showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the destinations visited, to themed nights and interactive activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

3.      Connecting Staterooms/Multi-Generation Travel

Multigenerational travel on an AmaWaterways river cruise offers a unique opportunity for families to explore and experience the world together. AmaWaterways cruises cater to the needs and interests of every member of the family. From grandparents to grandchildren, everyone can enjoy cultural excursions, onboard entertainment, and relaxed family time on the ship. The cruise line also offers family-friendly staterooms, suites or connecting rooms to accommodate larger groups.

4.      Family Owned

“Ama” means love and reflects the passion on which the family-owned and -operated river cruise line was built. AmaWaterways’ journey officially started with three families in 2002, but they’ve been crafting amazing river cruise experiences for much longer than that.

President and co-founder Rudi Schreiner was born in Vienna, and his wanderlust has taken him around the world. In 1975, using whatever materials he could find, Rudi even built his own ship, designing a raft that carried him up and down the Amazon River for seven months. He was hooked. From then on, Rudi has been creating incredible river tour journeys for others to enjoy.

5.      Sip & Sail         

AmaWaterways' Sip & Sail program is a sip-sational way to enhance a river cruise journey. Not only does it allow guests to indulge in unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks during meals, there are daily cocktail specials and a complimentary happy hour every day. The fun doesn't stop there, however. Guests enjoy local wine tastings and even beer sampling in Germany. With all these thirst-quenching offerings, your taste buds will be in for a treat. Cheers to that!

6.      AmaManga

AmaWaterways redefined the river cruise experience with the introduction of AmaMagna in 2019. The most luxurious ship on the Danube River, AmaMagna is twice the size of standard river ships, providing for larger cabins, more amenities and greater personal space.

The ship offers innovative features like river cruising’s first-ever full-sized pickleball court and a Water Sports Platform, which can be deployed for a variety of activities, from swimming to paddle-boarding. AmaMagna also features four unique restaurants on board—including Jimmy’s Wine Bar and Restaurant, named after AmaWaterways’ beloved late co-founder, Jimmy Murphy.

7.      Exciting New Itineraries

AmaWaterways takes pride in showcasing the world to its passengers. With an extensive range of itineraries, they offer the opportunity to explore diverse and captivating destinations across multiple continents.

Beginning in March 2024, AmaWaterways will introduce guests to the all-new experience of sailing the Magdalena River in beautiful Colombia aboard the AmaMelodia and the AmaMagdalena. Also in 2024, AmaLilia will be the second ship to set sail in Egypt, offering an unique 11-night cruise-and-land journey.

8.      Exclusive Shore Excursions   

AmaWaterways is renowned for its exclusive shore excursions that offer passengers an opportunity to explore each destination in depth.

These carefully curated excursions go beyond the typical tourist attractions, providing a more intimate and authentic experience. Excursions found only on AmaWaterways journeys include:

• Private tour of the Abdeen Presidential Palace, Cairo, Egypt
• Folklore experience in Giurgiulesti, Moldova
• Access to the Temple of Queen Nefertari, Luxor, Egypt 
• Evening wine experience in Spitz, Austria
• Exclusive Burg Lahneck Castle visit in Lahnstein, Germany

9.      24/7 Air Desk

An essential feature of the AmaWaterways cruise ships, the 24/7 Air Desk provides passengers with efficient, hassle-free travel arrangements. The Air Desk is staffed with knowledgeable and experienced travel agents who are available around the clock to assist with flight bookings, changes and other travel-related queries.

The agents work closely with major airlines to ensure passengers receive the best possible rates and flight options, as well as any necessary visa or passport information. The Air Desk team also helps passengers with airport transfers, hotel accommodations and travel insurance, making the entire travel experience as seamless as possible. 

10.      Themed Cruising

Whatever your passion, AmaWaterways' themed cruises combine the joy of exploration with your personal interests, creating unforgettable tailored experiences catering to your unique preferences.

These themed cruises provide an extraordinary opportunity to indulge in your hobbies and delve deeper into your areas of interest while sailing through captivating destinations. Popular AmaWaterways theme cruises are:

• Celebration of Wine river cruises
• Christmas Markets cruises
• Soulful Epicurean cruises
• Loyalty Appreciation cruises

11.      Innovative Fleet          

AmaWaterways provides the ultimate guest experience through continuous fleet innovation. They constantly invest in state-of-the-art ships equipped with the latest technologies and luxurious amenities. From spacious and elegantly designed staterooms to pioneering dining concepts, every aspect of their fleet is meticulously crafted to exceed and re-interpret guests’ river cruising expectations and experiences.

12.      Unparalleled Service

From the moment you step aboard, you are greeted with warm smiles and a level of attention that makes you feel like royalty. The staff is highly trained, attentive and always eager to go above and beyond to ensure your every need is met.

Whether it’s a special dietary request or a personalized excursion, the crew strives to make each request a reality. The ships are immaculate and well-maintained, with spacious cabins and common areas designed to provide maximum comfort and relaxation. With a high staff-to-guest ratio, you can be assured that your every request will be promptly and efficiently attended to.

13.      Cruise Manager

Cruise Managers on AmaWaterways cruises are dedicated to making every guest's experience unforgettable. The ultimate multitaskers, they are responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the ship, from coordinating excursions to ensuring guest satisfaction, and are equipped to handle any challenges that may arise. They also serve as the primary point of contact for guests, helping with their needs and answering any questions or concerns.  

14.      Wi-Fi   

Equipped with modern Wi-Fi systems, AmaWaterways offers complimentary high-speed internet connectivity for guests to use throughout their cruise. All staterooms offer a personal Entertainment-On-Demand system featuring movies, news, TV and music.

15.      Onboard Amenities   

AmaWaterways river cruises offer an extensive range of onboard amenities, providing travelers with a truly luxurious experience. The cabins are spacious and comfortable, featuring individually designed interiors and upscale amenities such as plush linens and private balconies.

The ships also feature inviting lounge areas, state-of-the-art fitness centers, and relaxing pools and spas. Guests can enjoy a range of on-board activities such as yoga classes, cooking demonstrations and wine tastings.

16.      La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dining Experience

AmaWaterways is a member of La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs™, a prestigious international culinary society dedicated to fine cuisine. Membership is by invitation only to those who possess a world-class culinary acumen.

AmaWaterways is proud to provide quests with an experience that combines the joys of exploration, relaxation and gastronomy, making it an unforgettable journey for food lovers and connoisseurs alike. The menus feature a delightful array of dishes inspired by the regions visited, showcasing local flavors and ingredients. 

17.      Variety of Excursions at Every Port  

AmaWaterways offers a diverse range of excursions led by local expert guides at every port, an average of two to three choices per day. From guided walking tours that uncover the rich cultural heritage of each destination to thrilling outdoor activities like biking, hiking and kayaking, plus options for later risers. With such a variety of excursions available, passengers can tailor their experiences to make the most of each port of call.

18.      Dietary Accommodations      

By providing comprehensive dietary accommodations, AmaWaterways aims to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all guests, allowing them to fully enjoy their culinary experiences while on board. In fact, AmaWaterways  hosted the first ever 100% dedicated gluten-free cruise in 2022 along the beautiful Danube River.

The onboard chefs and kitchen staff are trained to handle special dietary requests, and are skilled at creating delicious and satisfying meals within the specified dietary guidelines. They make use of fresh, high-quality ingredients, refusing to compromise on taste or quality when offering guests a worry-free dining experience. 

19.      Signature Twin Balcony Staterooms

AmaWaterways was the first to offer Signature Twin Balcony Staterooms to provide guests an even more luxurious experience during their voyage. The highlight of these staterooms are the dual balconies, one French balcony and one full outside balcony with seating, allowing guests to enjoy the views of passing scenery in even more style and comfort.

20.      Wellness & Fitness     

AmaWaterways prides itself on embracing the newest trends in wellness and active travel, providing a vacation experience that encompasses physical, mental and spiritual wellness. Passengers can take part in group classes or utilize the onboard fitness centers and open-air walking track to continue with their exercise routines, even while on vacation. Recently, AmaWaterways became the first river cruise ship to add a full-sized pickleball court to its fleet. 

21.      Sustainability 

A dedication to environmental sustainability and responsible travel forms the foundation on which AmaWaterways operates. And eco-tourism is one of the top priorities that drives AmaWaterways’ engineering by co-founder and President Rudi Schreiner.

In 2019, AmaWaterways’ AmaKristina became the first-ever river cruise ship to receive the Green Award, a prestigious certification that recognizes ships for their quality, safety and environmental performance. Currently, all 20 AmaWaterways’ European river cruise ships have earned the Green Award