Navigation

Navigation

AmaWaterways Review | What Makes AmaWaterways Different? | What We Like About AmaWaterways

Avignon photo courtesy AmaWaterways

Our Rating

5/5

AmaWaterways masterfully delivers experiences that all can enjoy, no matter what ages, interests or mobility levels. Celebrating 20 years in operation, the innovative river cruise company boasts beautiful ships plying the waterways of Europe, Asia, Africa and soon, Latin America. 

What We Like

What We Like About AmaWaterways

When we think about AmaWaterways, the first thing that comes to mind is two of the company’s founders, Kristin Karst and Rudi Schreiner, known as The Godfather of River Cruising. The German-Austrian husband and wife are committed to at least two principles: 1) delivering exceptional river cruise experiences; and 2) always under-promising and over-delivering. The latter goes a long way in explaining why you seldom – if ever – hear anything except praise for AmaWaterways. That praise starts with the company’s crew and office staff and works its way up to travel agents and end consumers, people like us who cruise on AmaWaterways. 

In the decade-plus that we’ve operated this site, we can’t recall a single complaint about AmaWaterways, which is remarkable when you consider that the company operates more than two dozen ships on three continents. We believe part of the reason for this is what we just mentioned, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. We encourage you to spend a few minutes to watch the video below, because it encapsulates the mission and the feeling of AmaWaterways. 

What Makes AmaWaterways Different

We’ve had our own magical moments on AmaWaterways, cruising the mighty Mekong, enjoying the coziness that AmaWaterways creates on Christmas Markets cruises and exploring Europe in what feels like a boutique luxury hotel that glides along the rivers. What we have found is that AmaWaterways highlights people – staff and guests – above all else. In fact, when we’ve cruised with the co-founders, we’ve found it remarkable that they take time to talk to and visit with so many people on board. Kristin and Rudi are fond of saying that “Ama Means Love,” and that is the feeling that is conveyed, one of warmth and welcome. 

More of what makes AmaWaterways different:

  • Spacious river view staterooms and suites range from 160 square feet to 710 square feet and most include the revolutionary signature twin balconies—a French balcony and a full outside balcony.
  • La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs dining experience—featuring all meals on board, including exquisite multi-course dinners and bountiful breakfast and lunch buffets
  • Multiple dining venues, including the one-of-a-kind exclusive Chef’s Table specialty restaurant featuring a unique tasting menu with perfectly paired wines for intimate dining experiences
  • Entertainment-On-Demand and Ship-Wide Wi-Fi – all staterooms offer a flat screen monitor featuring moves, news, TV, and music.
  • In-room internet access and ship-wide Wi-Fi are also complimentary
  • Choice of complimentary shore excursions in every port that are led by expert guides. AmaWaterways offers choices for tours for gentle, regular, and active walkers.
  • Expertly guided shore excursions with choices to tailor your experience as you like
  • Exclusive Special Interest and Culinary Tours are included excursions to experience local culture in a unique way
  • Adventurous guided bicycle and hiking tours, as well as options to bike on your own with complimentary bicycles and helmets
  • Enriching onboard programs, including lectures, theme dinners, cooking demonstrations, onboard music performances and afternoon/evening piano music
  • Experienced and dedicated Cruise Manager who accompanies you throughout your entire journey, both on land and on your cruise
  • With a high staff-to-guest ratio on our ships, our team is fully dedicated to providing each guest with the highest level of genuine service with a smile
  • Wellness Program offering a variety of exercise classes; discussion groups with a focus on healthy eating and relaxation. 

Where AmaWaterways Cruises

AmaWaterways operates in Europe, Asia, Africa and soon, Latin America. You’ll find more than two dozen itineraries in Europe alone, not including the unique Seven Rivers Journeys that debut in 2023. Sailing on seven rivers through 14 countries, these will be the longest and arguably the most epic river cruises that Europe has ever seen.

Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America

In Southeast Asia, AmaWaterways sails Vietnam & Cambodia’s Mekong River. In Africa, the company operates the 28-passenger Zambezi Queen (pictured) sailing the Chobe River. In Egypt, AmaDahlia operates Nile River Cruises and will soon be joined by a second ship AmaLilia, in 2024. AmaWaterways will begin cruising in Latin America on a new ship, AmaMagdelana.

Europe

In Europe, AmaWaterways offers more than two dozen itineraries along the Rhine, Moselle, Danube, Main, Seine, Saône, Rhône, Dutch and Belgian Waterways, Dordogne and Garonne, and the Douro. On our bucket list: the Seven Rivers Journeys, sailing seven rivers through 14 counties. the ultimate European river cruise. 

A Few Of Our Best AmaWaterways Travel Experiences

My Favorite River Cruises Of 2016: Boats & Bikes With Backroads & AmaWaterways

Do you enjoy bicycling and seeing new places? If so, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better mix than bicycling in Europe during your river cruise. I did just that, traveling with my 19-year-old son on a “bikes and boats” trip with AmaWaterways and Backroads. As regular readers of River Cruise Advisor know, AmaWaterways is a multi-awarded river cruise company. Not as well known among RCA’s readers, Backroads bills itself as the world’s #1 active travel company. The combination of cycling and river cruising was a match made in heaven, and a perfect way to travel for this father and son duo.

Read More »

Popular AmaWaterways Articles

What Makes AmaWaterways Different?

Headquartered in Calabasas, CA, AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst, a husband-and-wife team with much river cruise line experience, and the late Jimmy Murphy, founder of Brendan Worldwide Vacations. So, what sets the line apart? It’s highly inclusive, strikes a balance on included beverages, has dedicated wellness hosts, and so much more.

Read More »
The fabulous Owner's Suite on AmaMagna spans 710 square feet.

News About AmaWaterways

Dear AmaWaterways, Thank You

This week I have been feeling grateful. After accepting a new part-time job opportunity at a brewery in town and receiving tremendous support from my friends and family after sustaining a foot injury, I wanted to make sure that I gave each and every one of them thanks – whether it was a text, a phone call, or a handwritten note. As I sat down to brainstorm content for the week, I realized that there was someone (something?) else that I wanted to thank – the company that gave me my first introduction to river cruising and has continually delivered unforgettable experiences onboard since. 

Read More »

Dubai? On A River Cruise?

Welcome to Dubai, where tradition meets innovation, offering a blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication. Join AmaWaterways on a journey to this dynamic city, before or after your Secrets Of Egypt & The Nile river cruise.

Read More »

Journey To Geneva With AmaWaterways

Nestled at the southwestern edge of Lake Geneva in Switzerland lies the vibrant city of Geneva, blending together a rich mix of culture and history. From its Roman roots to its modern-day status as a multicultural metropolis, Geneva offers a blend of old-world charm with a contemporary vibe.

Read More »

Madrid Marvels: Extend Your Douro Adventure with AmaWaterways

Extend your AmaWaterways’ Douro River adventure with an optional land tour in Madrid, complimentary on selected river cruises until the end of March. Explore the captivating streets, historic landmarks, and culinary delights of Madrid, accompanied by the expert guidance of AmaWaterways’ dedicated Cruise Manager and tour guides. Here’s a glimpse of what awaits you in this vibrant city. 

Read More »

3 Days In Lisbon With AmaWaterways

If you’re a traveler seeking to delve deeper into Lisbon’s history and culture, AmaWaterways has an enticing offer for you. Embark on a Douro river cruise and extend your journey with an optional land package in Lisbon, immersing yourself in the city’s colorful old quarters, lively squares and architectural marvels.

Read More »

Our AmaWaterways Experiences In Video

Below you’ll find some videos that we produced during our savings on AmaWaterways.

AmaWaterways On Instagram | A Collection From Those Sharing The Heart Of The River

And, just like that, my first river cruising adventure has come to an end. I’ve hiked in Heidelberg; sampled currywurst in Cologne; visited a vineyard in Rüdesheim; strolled the streets of Strasbourg; trekked through the Black Forest; and discovered a new obsession with locks. I’ve tried tarte flambée and Rüdesheimer coffee; bought several new stickers for my luggage; eaten my weight in ice cream; and made new friends along the way. (See my Stories and AmaSiena highlight for deets.) By any measure, this was a fun, eye-opening and unforgettable trip. Would I do another river cruise? In a heartbeat. Danube, here I come!
*
*
*
#jetsetsarah #amawaterways #amasiena #rivercruising #rivercruise #rivercruises #cruising #travelwriter #travelblogger #blacktravel #blacktravelwriter #travelnoire #essencetravels #exploremore #explore #instago #travel #travelingram #instadaily #ttot #igaddict #bestoftheday #igtravel #travelgram #instatravel #traveler #traveller #andjustlikethat #omaginsiders
...

1027 65

Hello from Amsterdam, where I’m about to board my first river cruise! For the next seven days I’ll be sailing along the Rhine on the 156-passenger AmaSiena - AmaWaterways’ newest ship - through The Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland. As you know I’ve done a gazillion Caribbean cruises, so I’m looking forward to having this decidedly different experience. Stay tuned to my stories for the play-by-play.
*
*
*
#amawaterways #amasiena #jetsetsarah #jsssails #cruising #cruiser #rivercruise #rivercruising #amsterdam #cruiselife #cruiseship #rivercruises #holland #hermesscarf #blacktravel #blacktravelwriter #travelwriter #travelblogger #visitnetherlands
...

839 77

Random clips from this summer on Europe‘s Rivers
-
-
-
#amawaterways #rivercruise #luxurytravel #cruisewithraul #traveleurope #igerseurope #dronestagram #dji #mavic #sonyalpha #rhein #rhine #danube #main #würzburg #marksburg #loreley #nijmegen #dürnstein #cruiselife #amameanslove #luxuryrivercruise #luxuryrivercruise #rivercruisephotography #wellness #travelphotography #germany #austria #rivercruises #amawaterwaysrivercruise
...

535 25

And, just like that, a new week is served. Mine will include morning runs; writing deadlines; an oil change; several Zooms; a pre-travel COVID test; and, hopefully, renewing my Florida drivers license after multiple unsuccessful attempts to book a DMV appointment online. What’s on your agenda, dear ‘grammers?
*
*
*
#jetsetsarah #jsssails #amawaterways #amasiena #rivercruising #cruiselife #omaginsiders #blacktravel #blacktravelwriter #mondayvibes #monday #rivercruise #rivercruises #cruising #cruiselover #rivercruiser #waiter #cruiseshippool #traveler #passenger #cruiser #chasethesun
...

741 26

Und entspannt gleiten wir wieder auf dem Rhein dahin. Morgen Vormittag sind wir mit der AmaKristina in Rüdesheim, am Abend in Koblenz und Montag früh dann wieder in Köln. #amakristina #amawaterways #schiffstester ...

1297 27

Just a reminder that on November 29, 2022, I set off on an amazing week-long AmaWaterways river cruise along the Main and Rhine rivers visiting some of Germany`s storied Christmas markets. But here`s some even greater news: Amawaterways has extended their 20th-anniversary pricing of a 20% discount OR FREE roundtrip economy airfare till the end of October! Will you be joining me?

For more information, including a detailed itinerary, click on the link in bio!

Have you been on an Amawaterways river cruise? Share about your adventure in the comments below!

Places to Love is proud to have AmaWaterways as a Sponsor since Season 1.

#samanthabrown #placestolove #germany #rivercruise #amawaterways #holidayseason
...

5919 91

Boom diaaa alegria! #viajandocasbelém #diariodebordodafafá vellerepresentacoes amawaterwaysbr #amamagna #cruzeirofluvial #amawaterways ...

5994 473

Large cruise ships may have zip lines and 10 Story slides but river cruising has its extreme amenities too! 😁 amawaterways ~ ~ ~
~
#amawaterways #amamagna #godmother #rivercruising #Danube #cruising #river #europe #travel #journey
...

1931 42

🛳El 2024 será un año en el que el río Magdalena se engalanará con lujosos #Cruceros que le apuestan además a reactivar el turismo en Colombia y cada una de sus regiones. Estos serán operados por la compañía de cruceros fluviales #AmaWaterways que opera en Europa, África y Asia. Los barcos serán⚓ #AmaMagdalena y #AmaMelodía los cuales ofrecerán a los visitantes una experiencia única que incluye alojamiento de lujo y vistas panorámicas.



🚢En primer lugar, AmaMagdalena con capacidad para 60 personas zarpará el 30 de marzo de 2024 y AmaMelodía con espacios para 64 huéspedes el 19 de junio de 2024. Los destinos de ambos serán: Cartagena, Barranquilla, Mompóx, El Banco Magdalena, Calamar, Magangué, Santa Bárbara de Pinto, Nueva Venecia y Palenque.



¿Qué opina?💬



📸: Unsplash
...

6764 301

Watch my Places to Love episode of my Rhine River Cruise! Simply one of the best most relaxing ways to enjoy Europe. I go Castle hopping and wine drinking and always with a designated driver. Check my link in my profile to see when it airs near you. amawaterways #placestolove ...

2301 117

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.