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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.

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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

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. 

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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.

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Barcelona, Post Provence

You can’t sail the Rhone to Barcelona, but you can get to Spain’s iconic city as an optional extension on AmaWaterways’ Colors of Provence itinerary. In fact, I’ve chosen this seven-night itinerary for my 2025 Dream Cruise because the Rhone ranks among my favorite rivers. And for those of you who want more, coupling Barcelona at the beginning or end of your cruise makes for a perfect pairing.

Read More »

Sailing Along The Seine

In May, I’ll be reporting from AmaLyra as we sail along the Seine river from Paris. The season for the seven-night Paris & Normandy itinerary kicks off on March 14, 2024, with rates as low as $3,099 per person. My trip departs Paris on May 23, 2024. Rates for the higher-demand dates, such as mine, begin at $4,499 per person.

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

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.
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#amawaterways #amasiena #jetsetsarah #jsssails #cruising #cruiser #rivercruise #rivercruising #amsterdam #cruiselife #cruiseship #rivercruises #holland #hermesscarf #blacktravel #blacktravelwriter #travelwriter #travelblogger #visitnetherlands
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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!
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#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
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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?
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#jetsetsarah #jsssails #amawaterways #amasiena #rivercruising #cruiselife #omaginsiders #blacktravel #blacktravelwriter #mondayvibes #monday #rivercruise #rivercruises #cruising #cruiselover #rivercruiser #waiter #cruiseshippool #traveler #passenger #cruiser #chasethesun
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The cobblestone streets and half-timbered homes of Riquewihr, France invite you to spend hours wandering this enchanting Alsatian town along the Rhine River. ...

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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
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RIVER CRUISING vs BIG SHIP CRUISING
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We just got off of a 7 night amawaterways cruise with adventuresbydisney - and our first EVER river cruise! Being total cruise nerds, this was a dream come true for us, as we’ve always wanted to river cruise - and we were anxious to see what they’re like! We received a lot of questions regarding river cruising and traditional cruising... Spoiler - we truly love both.
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RIVER CRUISING:
+ smaller ship, less passengers, less communal space, fewer dining options, closer living quarters overall, smooth water conditions are standard. Chances of getting seasick are EXTREMELY LOW - Bobby gets seasick EVERYWHERE and was totally fine! + Getting off/on is EASY - takes a fraction of the time as large cruise ships, walking from your room to the dining room takes literally one minute, you become very close with the other passengers, and you learn most of the crew’s names by the end of the trip!
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BIG SHIP CRUISING:
+ larger ship, more passengers, more space to explore, several dining options.
+ the “exclusive experience” you’d find on a river cruise isn’t very likely, but the “big ship perks” make for a fun alternative.
+ little things take longer, like walking to/from meals & activities, getting on/off the boat, daily excursions, but heck - you’re on vacation. Who’s in a hurry?!
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Those of you that have done one or the other, or both as well, we’d love to hear what you prefer! Ultimately, as long as we’re rocking our robes, sipping our tea and enjoying the views from the top deck, we’re happy campers. THE LIFE!! ⚓️🌈👌🏼 #adventuresbydisney #tntraveler #rivercruise
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Large cruise ships may have zip lines and 10 Story slides but river cruising has its extreme amenities too! 😁 amawaterways ~ ~ ~
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#amawaterways #amamagna #godmother #rivercruising #Danube #cruising #river #europe #travel #journey
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We bid you Adieu!

Our Essence of Burgundy & Provence river cruise on the amawaterways AmaCello has come to an end. I hope you enjoyed our journey. Leave a comment and let us know what you thought. Any questions?

They are already filling up for 2024 and 2025. To inquire click here —>> https://jerne.to/3QMBS4K

All of my travel outfits are linked.
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#HeartoftheRiver #france
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Have a beautiful Sunday!
#petrovaradinfortress #novisad #vojvodina #serbia #visitvojvodina #visitserbia #openheart #smile #sharethelove #tourism
And while we all wonder when we gonna travel again, remember that tourism is unstoppable!
#amawaterways #amameanslove #wegonnatravel
💎#thegems of #southeasteurope 💎
#missingtravel #wherenext #cruise #cruiseagain
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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 ...

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Fenland Waterway 30 x 30cm acrylic on board. .
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#fens #fenland #amawaterways #waterway #landscapepainting #landscapeart #landscapes #limitedpalette #acrylics #acrylicpainting #sarajohnson #contemporarypainting #contemporaryart #artgallery #artcollector #artcollectors #eastanglia #mixedmediaart #mixedmedia
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