AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways: A Closer Look 

If you’re looking for a river cruise experience that combines cultural immersion, elegant ships, and attentive service, AmaWaterways may be the right fit for you. This family-owned company has built a reputation for innovation, with ships designed to maximize comfort and itineraries that highlight authentic local experiences. 

AmaWaterways’ ships are intimate, typically carrying about 150 guests, creating an environment that feels both personal and social. The line is especially known for its spacious staterooms, many with twin balconies, regionally inspired dining, and a wellness program unique in river cruising. 

If you value smaller ships, inclusive excursions, and a cruise style that focuses on both comfort and enrichment, AmaWaterways offers a river journey designed to align with how you like to travel. 

Is AmaWaterways Right for You? 

You May Enjoy AmaWaterways If: 

• You prefer an intimate ship environment with fewer guests and attentive service. 

• You enjoy destination-focused cruising, with shore excursions included in nearly every port. 

• You want culinary variety, with locally inspired menus and complimentary wine and beer at meals. 

• You value active options, with hiking, biking, and wellness activities available alongside cultural tours. 

• You appreciate spacious staterooms, many of which feature twin balconies, offering multiple ways to enjoy the river views. 

You May Want to Consider Other Cruise Lines If: 

• You prefer larger ships with extensive entertainment—river cruising is intentionally quieter and more destination-focused. 

• You’re seeking a family-oriented cruise line with broad children’s programming. 

• You want a more value-focused option—AmaWaterways is a premium river cruise line with pricing that reflects its inclusions. 

What to Expect Onboard AmaWaterways 

AmaWaterways ships are designed to balance comfort, elegance, and a connection to the destinations you’re visiting. Onboard, you’ll find stylish lounges, a main restaurant and specialty Chef’s Table venue, fitness and wellness spaces, and a sundeck with a pool or whirlpool. 

The atmosphere is relaxed but social. With fewer guests, it’s easy to connect with fellow travelers during meals, excursions, or enrichment events. Entertainment is more low-key than ocean cruising, focusing on local musicians or cultural performances that reflect the regions visited. 

Onboard life is intended to complement, not overshadow, your time ashore. Excursions and destination immersion remain the focus of the AmaWaterways experience. 

Dining and Culinary Experience 

AmaWaterways is a member of La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, a prestigious international culinary society. Dining reflects this commitment to excellence, with menus that highlight fresh, locally sourced ingredients. 

Meals include complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks at lunch and dinner, as well as sparkling wine at breakfast. Each ship features a Chef’s Table restaurant—a specialty venue included in your fare that offers a multi-course menu paired with fine wines. 

Menus often reflect the regions you’re traveling through, whether that’s French-inspired dishes along the Seine, hearty Central European cuisine along the Danube, or fresh Mediterranean flavors on the Douro. Dining is consistently rated as one of the highlights of the AmaWaterways experience. 

Wellness and Fitness 

AmaWaterways stands out in river cruising with its dedicated wellness program. Each ship has a wellness host who leads complimentary classes, including yoga, Pilates, stretching, and resistance training. 

Bicycles are available onboard for guided or independent tours, and many itineraries include active shore excursions, such as hiking or biking, alongside cultural walking tours. Fitness rooms and walking tracks provide additional options onboard. 

This focus on wellness makes AmaWaterways an excellent choice if you want travel to feel both enriching and health-conscious. 

Entertainment and Activities 

Entertainment onboard is regionally inspired and more intimate than on ocean cruises. Local performers often come aboard in port, offering music or dance that reflects the culture of the region. Enrichment programming may include lectures, cooking demonstrations, or tastings tied to local traditions and cultural heritage. 

Shore excursions are a central part of every AmaWaterways journey. Multiple options are available at each stop, typically varying in activity level. You might choose a leisurely walking tour, a more active hike or bike ride, or a cultural experience designed to provide you with a deeper insight into the local community. 

Cabins and Accommodations 

AmaWaterways staterooms are designed with comfort and views in mind. Many feature the line’s signature twin balconies—a French balcony and a full outdoor balcony—giving you multiple ways to enjoy the scenery. 

Rooms include plush bedding, modern bathrooms with multi-jet showers, and on-demand entertainment systems. Suites offer additional space and amenities, while all staterooms provide thoughtful touches that make them feel welcoming. Compared to many other river lines, Ama’s accommodations are considered among the most spacious. 

Atmosphere and Dress Code 

The onboard atmosphere is polished but casual. Daytime attire is typically smart casual, with comfortable clothing for excursions. Evenings are slightly dressier, but there are no formal nights—most guests choose to wear resort casual or business casual clothing to dinner. 

The intimate size of the ships fosters a friendly, social atmosphere, but it remains easy to find quiet spaces if you prefer more private time. 

AmaWaterways Destinations and Itineraries 

AmaWaterways offers a broad range of itineraries that span multiple continents: 

• Europe: Rhine, Danube, Rhône, Seine, Douro, Main, and seasonal Christmas Market cruises. 

• Asia: Mekong River voyages through Vietnam and Cambodia. 

• Africa: Safari and wildlife journeys paired with Chobe River sailings. 

• South America: Magdalena River cruises in Colombia, newly introduced. 

Voyages typically range from 7 to 14 nights, with opportunities to extend your experience through land programs in major cities like Paris, Prague, or Cape Town. 

Inclusions and Pricing Style 

AmaWaterways’ fares are designed to cover most of what you’ll want during your voyage: 

• All onboard dining, including the Chef’s Table restaurant 

• Shore excursions in every port, with multiple activity levels 

• Complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks at lunch and dinner 

• Sparkling wine at breakfast 

• Wi-Fi access 

• Fitness classes and use of onboard bikes 

Optional expenses may include premium spa treatments, gratuities, or upgraded excursions. 

Important Things to Consider About AmaWaterways 

• Premium River Cruise: Ama positions itself above many other river lines, with inclusions and service that reflect its premium style. 

• Excursion Variety: With multiple included tours at varying activity levels, there’s flexibility for travelers with diverse interests. 

• Wellness Strength: The dedicated wellness host and program are unique in river cruising. 

• Smaller Ships: Carrying fewer than 200 guests creates a social yet intimate feel. 

• Destination Depth: Local culture is at the heart of the experience, encompassing everything from cuisine to entertainment and excursions. 

Next Steps for Planning Your AmaWaterways Cruise 

As a certified travel professional, I can help you find the AmaWaterways itinerary that aligns with your travel style—whether that’s exploring castles along the Rhine, visiting vineyards on the Douro, discovering temples along the Mekong, or combining a safari and river experience in Africa. 

If you’d like to discuss your options, I invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation. If you already know which AmaWaterways journey feels right, you can schedule time directly on my calendar to finalize your plans—with the added benefit of my essential cruise planning service included.