What Can You Expect On An AmaWaterways Magnificent Europe River Cruise? Part I
I am currently midway on a voyage from Amsterdam to Budapest on AmaWaterways’ 164-guest AmaSonata. The duration of the cruise, spanning 14 nights/15 days, is
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.
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.
Would you like our personalized recommendations for an AmaWaterways river cruise that's perfect for you? Fill out our form, and we'll do my best to help you - at no charge.
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:
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.
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.
I am currently midway on a voyage from Amsterdam to Budapest on AmaWaterways’ 164-guest AmaSonata. The duration of the cruise, spanning 14 nights/15 days, is
It could just be AmaWaterways’ most aspirational itinerary: a cruise between Amsterdam and Budapest, covering three rivers, five countries and spanning 15 days. Welcome to
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.
This week on Avid Travel With Britton Frost we will revisit my time aboard AmaMagna, speaking mostly to the public spaces on the ship such as multiple dining venues, the libraries, juice bar, and more.
I have lived a very privileged life when it comes to travel. I’ve been on 19 cruises and I’m only 21 years old. I have traveled many
After a much-welcomed thunderstorm last night, we stepped off AmaPrima this morning in Vilshofen, Germany, ending five days on board AmaWaterways‘ newest vessel and temperatures
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.
Is this river cruising’s world cruise equivalent? In June 2023, AmaWaterways will offer a 46-night exploration of Europe that sails through 14 countries on seven rivers.
Because of the lack of space on the rivers, it means that river cruise companies may have to give up certain amenities to make room for guests onboard – but that’s not always the case.
Family-owned and operated, AmaWaterways has been a passion project for its founders since its start in 2002. President Rudi Schreiner designed his first ship back in 1975 while sailing the Amazon for seven months. Since the completion of the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal in 1992, Rudi has been a driving force for river cruise travel—and for these efforts has been recognized as the “Most Innovative Cruise Executive” and has been presented the prestigious “Lifetime Achievement Award” by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
Executive Vice President, Co-Founder and Co-Owner Kristin Karst brings extensive experience in luxury travel, river cruising and customer service to AmaWaterways. Rudi and Kristin partnered with Jimmy Murphy, a brilliant travel entrepreneur who built Brendan Vacations. His son Gary now carries on his father’s tradition in his role as Vice President of Sales. These families came together to create the premiere travel experience for AmaWaterways’ guests.
The company now boasts a fleet of 25 modern river cruise ships operating in Europe: AmaCello (2008), AmaDante (2008), AmaLyra (2009), AmaDolce (2009), AmaBella ( 2010), AmaVerde(2011) and AmaCerto (2012).
In 2013, AmaWaterways launched the AmaVida to operate on Portugal’s Douro River, as well as AmaPrima in Europe, followed by AmaReina and AmaSonata in 2014.
Be sure to check out 12 Things To Like About The New AmaPrima.
In 2015, the company introduced AmaSerena and AmaVenita, and in 2016, the company welcomed AmaStella and AmaViola.
2017 marked the arrival of AmaWaterways’ 20th ship with the new AmaKristina, as well as the company’s 15-year anniversary.
In 2018, the company welcomes the AmaLea, sister ship to AmaKristina; and then in 2019, the company introduced a new Rhine River ship, AmaMora, sister ship to AmaLea, and on the Douro River, AmaWaterways debuted the 102-passenger AmaDouro. Also in 2019, AmaWaterways unveiled its biggest ship ever with the AmaMagna, representing a game-changing new design elevating modern luxury even further.
See 6 Types Of Travelers Who Are Perfect For AmaMagna, Are You One Of Them?
More recently AmaWaterways has launched AmaSiena, AmaLucia and AmaDahlia, which operates in Egypt on Nile River Cruises. The company will add a second ship on the Nile, AmaLilia, in 2024 as well as a new ship in Colombia, AmaMagdelana.
AmaWaterways offers cruises along Europe’s Rhine, Moselle, Danube, Main, Seine, Saône, Rhône, Dutch and Belgian Waterways, Dordogne and Garonne, and the Douro; Southeast Asia’s Mekong river, Africa’s Chobe and Nile rivers and soon Latin America.
As a family-owned and operated company dedicated solely to river cruising, AmaWaterways’ executives focus all of their time and effort on perfecting the art of delivering the quintessential river cruise experience for their guests. This has led to award-winning ships inspired by luxury yachts and designed specifically to maximize every aspect of the guest experience.
Innovative stateroom design features unique twin balconies with both a French balcony and outside balcony, so guests can enjoy the views however they wish. There are also staterooms with connecting rooms to accommodate more than two guests for families and groups who wish to travel together. Other amenities include a variety of dining venues, sun deck walking track and heated pool with swim-up bar, well-equipped fitness room and a fleet of onboard bicycles (for onshore exploration), as well as massage and hair salon.
Guests give AmaWaterways’ cuisine rave reviews. All AmaWaterways’ ships in Europe are members of the prestigious La Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, an international gastronomic society dedicated to fine cuisine. AmaWaterways’ culinary team crafts menus with the finest and freshest local ingredients. Selections change daily, featuring locally-inspired gourmet cuisine and traditional favorites.
AmaWaterways offers a variety of dining venues – at no additional charge – including The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant. Guests watch as the chef prepares a true tasting menu with three appetizers, a champagne sorbet intermezzo, three main courses and three decadent desserts—all paired with carefully hand-selected wines reflective of the places visited.
Guests can enjoy unlimited complimentary wines from Europe’s great wine regions, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board, as well as sparking wine during breakfast.
AmaWaterways has maximized its guest stateroom views with not one, but two private balconies – a French balcony and a full outside balcony.
Every stateroom on AmaWaterways has an Entertainment-on-Demand center, featuring complimentary high-speed Internet access via a flat screen monitor featuring movies, news, sports and satellite TV, as well as a large selection of music channels.
Guests can start the day off sipping complimentary sparkling wine, coffee, tea and fresh juice at breakfast. For lunch and dinner, indulge in fine wines distinctive of the regions visited, beer and soft drinks, and be treated to a Sip & Sail daily cocktail hour.
AmaWaterways elegantly appointed spacious stateroom and suite appointments include white-on-white plush bedding, terry bathrobes and slippers, high-quality bath and body products and bottled water replenished daily. Suites include added enhancements, such as larger sitting areas and expansive bathrooms with both a shower and bathtub. On some twin-balcony ships, there are staterooms with connecting doors, as well as triple accommodations, making river cruising more convenient for friends and family who wish to travel together.
AmaWaterways recognizes every traveler is unique, so the company has carefully curated a menu of included excursions to tempt even the most seasoned travelers. Guests have the freedom and flexibility to choose from a range of guided tours.
For guests who wish to get more active, guided hiking and biking adventures take travelers well beyond the typical tourist paths, deep into the rich culture and natural beauty.
“Special Interest Tours” encourage further immersion into local culture. Authentic Belgian waffles and chocolate making in Antwerp; picnicking in the terraced vineyards of Portugal; or learning how to cook quintessential French cuisine in Provence, are just a few examples. Along with being intertwined with these deeply enriching experiences, guests can take excursions designed to showcase the renowned highlights, as well.
AmaWaterways has always been passionate about promoting health and wellness. As the first river cruise line to provide complimentary bicycles and safety helmets, AmaWaterways is always looking to further activate guest vacations and has expanded its popular guided hiking and biking tours throughout its European itineraries as well as the Wellness Program. A Wellness host leads exercise classes and discussion groups with a focus on healthy eating and relaxation.
In addition, guests can keep up their exercise routine on board while soaking in the panoramic views with a jog around the track or taking a dip in the pool on the sun deck. Later, they can unwind with a massage and indulge in a variety of healthy cuisine options with menus featuring gluten-free and vegetarian choices.
AmaWaterways’ Cruise Managers are your hosts while you are traveling with them. The company hires only the very the most talented, knowledgeable and experienced in the industry. All skillfully trained and educated with years of experience means you can be assured exceptional levels of professional and personalized service throughout your entire journey both on board and on shore. Customer service, attention to detail and passenger satisfaction are AmaWaterways’ hallmarks.
AmaWaterways loves providing its guests with the best travel experiences possible. In fact, “Ama” is derived from the Latin word for “love.” It is a concept that permeates every aspect of their river cruises, from the design of the ships to the development of itineraries to the high levels of service delivered to guests. AmaWaterways is always looking to innovate, offer exciting new destinations and add extra value for each and every guest.
If there’s a secret to AmaWaterways success, it’s the company’s distinct business style. It is an efficiently run, hands-on company, with short lines of communication to owners and executives. You’ll always get a live person answering the phone during business hours, never a recording. Throughout its years of exponential growth, AmaWaterways has maintained a warm and family type atmosphere in the company.
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.
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.
What is a Rhone river cruise going to cost me and how does the cruise I am looking at compare to Rhone river cruises offered by other companies?
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.
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.
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.
Below you’ll find some videos that we produced during our savings on AmaWaterways.