Ultimate Guide: AmaWaterways

Embark on an upscale river cruising experience with AmaWaterways, where contemporary style meets attentive service. Family-owned and operated, AmaWaterways has a fleet of 23 ships navigating rivers in Europe and an additional six vessels traversing Southeast Asia, Egypt, Africa and Latin America. From a classic journey from Basel to Amsterdam, a gourmet trip through Bordeaux, a fascinating Nile River cruise or a festive jaunt to the Christmas Markets, each itinerary brings its own magic.

Expect onboard features like heated swimming pools (some with swim-up bars), spacious public areas, modern suites and exceptional service. Most of their European ships are a similar size and carry around 160 passengers. The compact Zambezi Queen carries just 28 passengers along Africa’s Chobe River, while ships sailing along the Nile, Mekong and Magdalena rivers carry between 50 and 120 passengers. The standout of the fleet is AmaMagna — navigating the Danube, it is twice the width of standard river ships and accommodates almost 200 passengers in some of the largest staterooms on the water.

For travellers, here are some key things to consider when booking a river cruise with AmaWaterways. 

Why AmaWaterways River Cruises?

For guests who crave a personalised and uncrowded experience, AmaWaterways boast fewer guests onboard than most traditional river cruise companies. With a strong focus on innovation, sustainability and luxury, AmaWaterways vessels boast everything from onboard cinemas to wellness studios and spacious staterooms.

AmaWaterways is admired for their commitment to wellness and in 2006 were the first river cruise line to offer complimentary state-of-the-art bicycles for guests. Since then, AmaWaterways have continued to evolve their wellness offerings — the line partners with active travel company Backroads for themed cruises with full biking programs, complete with expert leaders and support vehicles.

Culinary experiences onboard AmaWaterways are also highly regarded, with the cruise company a proud member of the internationally recognised La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs and Tables et Auberges de France. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included, and talented chefs prepare exceptional dishes inspired by regional flavours, showcasing locally sourced ingredients.

All cabins and suites on AmaWaterways vessels showcase a river view and the interiors are contemporary with striking pops of colours and luxe finishes. The warm and welcoming crew will go above and beyond to make your journey unforgettable, with a high staff-to-guest ratio guaranteeing that your every need is met.

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At a Glance (Accommodation type, Destination/Ports)

Destinations

Every cruiser is different and AmaWaterways has a swag of enticing destinations, from Africa to Egypt, Cambodia to Europe. All AmaWaterways journeys are enhanced with thoughtfully curated excursions that immerse guests in the local culture, culinary experiences and natural wonders. There are also cruise packages themed around key interests such as golf, wine, music, wellness and more. 

An annual highlight of the AmaWaterways cruise season is their iconic Christmas Markets voyages. AmaWaterways offer various festive cruises in the holiday season, with popular itineraries along the Danube and Rhine rivers, stopping at popular Christmas markets. Stroll quaint cobblestone streets adorned with twinkling lights in France’s Strasbourg, or shop for handcrafted toys and gifts in Salzburg, Austria.

If you’re passionate about wine, set sail on a specialty Celebration of Wine cruise. AmaWaterways hosts more than 70 of these themed voyages each year, taking passengers through Europe’s most verdant wine regions. Hosted by enthusiastic wine experts, you’ll visit historic vineyards, enjoy private wine tastings, and meet winemakers.

For an exotic journey giving you a colourful snapshot of Asia, AmaWaterways cruises the Mekong through Cambodia and Vietnam. Feel the gentle pace of rural villages, admire the stunning capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, and visit a monastery for a Buddhist blessing. 

Embark on a voyage of discovery along the Nile in Egypt, learning about this incredible ancient civilisation as you marvel at magnificent structures such as the Great Sphinx. Dreaming of an African safari? AmaWaterways offers five distinctive African itineraries combining a river cruise with an unforgettable safari.

For a unique holiday capturing the spirit of South America, there are two exciting itineraries touring Colombia that sail along the mighty Magdalena River. Meet welcoming locals, spot colourful tropical birds and soak up the rhythmic beats of diverse Latin American musical styles with exclusive carnaval experiences just for AmaWaterways guests.

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What You’ll Get:

Your cabin: All staterooms have a view, so you can take in the ever-changing scenery of terraced vineyards or wallowing buffalo, plus thoughtful touches like Egyptian bed linen, bathrooms with multi-jet shower heads and a flat-screen TV with entertainment on demand.

Dining: AmaWaterways’ expert chefs prepare tasty meals daily, offering everything from all-time favourites to local flavours inspired by the destination. All ships feature a Main Restaurant, serving a buffet-style breakfast, lunch buffet with additional menu options, and a full a la carte dinner.

Entertainment: Onboard entertainment complements the destination you’re visiting with AmaWaterways. Live performances might be a string quartet on a Danube River cruise, a folklore performance along the Mekong River or an engaging lecture on a Nile River cruise.

Activities: Tailored excursions are designed to immerse you even further in a destination and feature fun activities like learning to knot pretzels in Germany or sampling Belgian waffles in Antwerp. These are also included in your cruise fare.

Fitness + Wellness: Active travellers will love the guided biking and hiking tours. Using your ship’s fleet of bicycles, pedal along the Danube between Dürnstein and Melk or tour Cologne’s old town along the Rhine. Onboard, there’s a fitness room, swimming pool and walking track, or try a gentler approach with a massage or whirlpool soak.

Kids and Teens: While generally focused on an adult audience, AmaWaterways welcomes children aboard, but with some considerations. Children aged four and up are generally permitted, but there are no dedicated children’s programs or facilities. 

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AmaWaterways Journey Inclusions:

• Every excursion (choose from up to eight per day)
• All meals, gratuities, plus hand-selected wines and local beers during every lunch and dinner on board.
• Complimentary small-group fitness classes
• Award-winning dining experiences plus complimentary multi-course specialty restaurant, The Chef’s Table
• Dedicated Cruise Managers and personalised service
• Free internet access and myAmaCruise app.

Cruise Line Packages

The word ‘ama’ means love in Latin, and highlights AmaWaterways’ core company philosophies of dedication to enjoyable guest experiences. AmaWaterways are well known for their comfort, luxury and all-inclusive packages. Onboard, guests enjoy space and privacy due to the small number of guests, generously sized staterooms and personalised service. 

River cruise packages include everything from all meals, drinks, WiFi, gratuities and shore excursions. Guests can choose from itineraries along waterways in Africa, Asia, South America and Europe, and there are options for pre- and post-cruise land packages too.

AmaWaterways offers a variety of cruises including shorter seven-night cruises and 14-night cruises, along with a selection of speciality cruise packages, themed journeys and curated adventures. In each port, multiple excursions are included in your fare, meaning you’re sure to find something that interests you. Here’s a selection of cruise package highlights with AmaWaterways:

• Celebration of Wine River Cruises: With itineraries in North America and Europe, these epicurean-style cruises are hosted by knowledgeable wine professionals who hold tastings, discussions and also accompany you on excursions to vineyards and cellars.
• Solo Traveller Specials: AmaWaterways warmly welcome solo travellers and have plenty of incentives for guests travelling solo. AmaWaterways have single-occupancy cabins on several of their river ships, and solo adventurers can take advantage of Single Occupancy Stateroom Savings.
• Complimentary Land Packages: Guests wishing to explore their destination further before or after the cruise can consider a land package. From January 2-June 30, 2025, new reservations will receive a complimentary 2-, 3-, or 4-night land package to explore a destination either before or after on select 2025 and 2026 Europe river cruises.
• Active: AmaWaterways brings wellness to the forefront with its Active and Wellness offerings included in your fare and designed to enhance your experience. Guests can enjoy invigorating fitness classes like yoga and Pilates on board, or explore breathtaking destinations with guided hikes or cycling tours. Wellness Hosts are available to provide tips and inspiration, ensuring you stay energised throughout your journey. 

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Dining Experiences

The dining experiences aboard AmaWaterways are memorable, delicious and inspired by the destination you’re travelling through. Tuck into a buffet-style breakfast daily, a lunch buffet with special menu items, and an a la carte dinner, all served in the Main Restaurant. 

Some ships have an outdoor dining terrace, where you can eat while watching the world float by. You’ll also find tapas, snacks and sandwiches available at various times across the ship’s public areas. Also included in your cruise fare is the intimate Chef’s Table experience, where the chef prepares a lavish multi-course dinner right in front of you.

AmaMagna has two additional dining venues onboard — the casual, family-style Jimmy’s, named after the line’s founder, Jimmy Murphy, and Al Fresco, a bright, airy space at the front of the ship.

All dining is included in your cruise fare, as well as fine wine, beer and soft drinks during lunch and dinner. You can also indulge in complimentary sparkling wine and fresh juice at breakfast, and there are specialty coffee and tea stations around the ship. At other times, you can purchase additional alcohol and soft drinks. 

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Cabin Experiences

The spacious staterooms and suites of the AmaWaterways fleet are decorated with bright pops of colour that enhance the contemporary styling. Guests enjoy entertainment on demand, queen-size beds dressed in luxurious Egyptian linens, and multi-jet shower heads.

Every cabin in the AmaWaterways fleet has a view — a feature only a few other river lines offer. The staterooms are designed to maximise the interesting scenery outside with either a fixed window, balcony or twin balcony. The ‘twin balcony’ concept was pioneered by AmaWaterways, which features both a standard outside balcony and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open into a French balcony. It gives you the best of all worlds — glorious views, fresh air and outdoor seating, with a combination that works for all weather.

Many of the ships feature single staterooms, which offer the same amenities and stylish décor in a more compact design, ideal for solo travellers. Connecting staterooms and triple or quad rooms present even more options for travelling groups.

The flagship of the fleet, AmaMagna, is twice the width of standard European river vessels, so it does have larger staterooms and suites. There are seven suites on AmaMagna, with six grand suites and a magnificent Owner’s Suite, more than 65 square metres. That said, the entry level cabins on AmaMagna are among the largest on Europe’s rivers, measuring a spacious 19 square metres.

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Activities (Family, Kids, Couple)

Off the ship, guests can enjoy city tours, village visits, guided tours of museums and cultural institutions, or foodie journeys into the local cuisine. Active travellers will love the guided biking and hiking excursions offered in many destinations. Using your ship’s fleet of bicycles, you could pedal along the Danube between Dürnstein and Melk or tour Cologne’s old town along the Rhine River. You can choose between gentle, regular and active pace, and there are even excursions that start later in the day for those who like to sleep in.

The AmaWaterways cruise company has long been a leader in wellness and there are plenty of activities — both action-packed and tranquil — to suit all types of travellers. Enjoy a massage or treatment at the spa, burn some energy in the fitness centre, play a game of giant chess on the Sun Deck, or relax in the swimming pool. For those who like to work up a sweat, the AmaManga, which cruises the Danube, boasts the first pickleball court on a river cruise. 

When it comes to entertainment, there’s plenty on offer too. The ship’s resident musician performs regularly, playing popular tunes on the baby grand piano in the Main Lounge or accompanying your evening drinks with some soft jazz. You’ll soon find your favourite place to spend the evening, sharing stories of your day with your fellow passengers. For some quiet time, curl up in the library with a book, do a puzzle or play a board game. 

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AmaWaterways Fleet

AmaWaterways operates a fleet of 26 river cruise ships, known for their spacious design, innovative balcony combinations and luxurious features. The fleet includes vessels like the AmaMagna, the largest cruise ship on the Danube, and newer ships like the AmaDahlia and AmaLilia in Egypt. 

Europe

AmaBella: Stop at select ports along the Danube in the stunning AmaBella, reimagined in 2021. The 443-foot ship boasts 80 staterooms accommodating 160 passengers. Most of the luxurious staterooms have twin balconies, and guests can enjoy the heated pool, observation deck, massage and hair salon, and more. 

AmaMagna: Built in the Netherlands and launched in 2019, the flagship of the AmaWaterways fleet is twice the width of traditional European river ships. This one-of-a-kind vessel has more space, extra dining options, and exciting leisure zones, such as the first ever pickleball court on a river vessel. With 98 spacious connecting staterooms, AmaMagna is ideal for families and groups.

AmaLea: The dazzling AmaLea was crafted with a luxury yacht in mind. Admire the sleek exterior and inviting interiors with vibrant splashes of autumn tones. With room for 156 passengers and 51 crew, there’s a host of comforts and conveniences including a walking track, fitness room, coffee station, and massage salon.

AmaLucia: With a 2021 launch, the sister ship to the award-winning AmaLea and AmaKristina is a sophisticated 156-passenger river vessel with all the comfort guests expect of AmaWaterways. Featuring an observation lounge, heated pool with swim-up bar and complimentary fleet of bikes, there’s plenty to enjoy on AmaLucia as you stop at iconic European cities.

AmaMora: Explore the pretty Loire Valley in France or the fairytale streetscapes of Miltenberg, Germany on AmaMora. She’s a twin balcony ship and sister to AmaLea and AmaKristina, boasting AmaWaterway’s signature dining experiences, leisure zones like a heated pool and luxuriously appointed staterooms with twin balconies. 

AmaPrima: The elegant AmaPrima welcomes guests on an authentic European river cruise. Admire an intricate castle in Moselle, explore a Christmas market in Budapest or follow the Sound of Music in Austria. Onboard, AmaPrima features twin-balcony staterooms, a heated pool, and an al fresco dining terrace. The 443-foot river cruiser carries 162 passengers and 49 crew.

AmaReina: Step aboard AmaReina for a fairytale cruise along the Danube river to explore art and culture in places like Vienna, Regensburg and Passau. At the heart of AmaReina is a chic Main Lounge with a baby grand piano, where you can watch the changing scenery with a cocktail in hand. The AmaReina staterooms have delicate floral motifs, plush linens and river views.

AmaSerena: This 443-foot river vessel cruises iconic European waterways and features 81 staterooms with twin-balcony configurations to maximise the riverside vistas. With bold decor of dark wood and rich reds, the AmaSerena has a regal atmosphere with a main lounge for conversation, an onboard library for quiet reflection and The Chef’s Table for locally sourced cuisine. 

AmaSiena: Enjoy the magical sight of castles along the Rhine River and the iconic windmills of Holland as you cruise the Rhine River on AmaSiena. Christened in 2021, she’s the sister ship to AmaLea and AmaKristina, and carries 156 passengers. The ship’s interior has a modern Euro vibe with rich reds and floral patterns, and the Main Lounge frames the view with floor-to-ceiling windows. 

AmaSonata: Cruise Europe’s iconic waterways on AmaSonata and savour exceptional cuisine on the al fresco terrace, soak up the sunshine on the pool deck or get active in the fitness zone. The AmaSonata navigates the Danube River and docks at places such as Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau, Vienna, Budapest, and more. Most of the staterooms have twin balconies.

AmaStella: The award-winning AmaStella has a sleek contemporary design with a standout glass elevator encircled by curved stairways. Onboard, relax in the fireside library, order a cocktail at the swim-up bar or enjoy the view from your twin-balcony stateroom. AmaStella features both Triple & Quadruple Occupancy Staterooms, making it ideal for families and groups.

AmaVenita: Built in the Netherlands and holding 162 passengers, the AmaVenita is known for its Rhine River cruises. Often departing from Amsterdam, one of its popular routes is the Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps which travels to Lake Como, stopping in Cologne and Basel. Onboard discover a massage and hair salon, heated pool, gift shop, and a fleet of complimentary bikes to pedal ashore.

AmaVerde: Cruises on the reimagined AmaVerde travel to various European cities along the Rhine, Moselle and Danube rivers, as well as some voyages in Asia and Africa. The stunning vessel has 80 staterooms, mostly with twin balconies, a heated pool, putting green and a massage and hair salon. Guests can savour exceptional cuisine in the fresh air at AmaVerde’s Cafe Bistro.

AmaViola: Welcoming 156 passengers onboard, the 443-foot AmaViola was constructed in the Netherlands, and offers itineraries mostly in Europe, along iconic waterways such as the Danube, Rhine, Seine and Douro. Some of the twin-balcony staterooms offer room for three to four guests, so the AmaViola is a great choice for groups of friends or large families. 

AmaCerto: With a home port in Basel in northern Switzerland, the majestic river vessel AmaCerto was constructed in 2012. Inside the 443-foot European-inspired ship, the style is noticeably autumnal, with fiery reds and golds dotted throughout the interior. There are 82 staterooms featuring the signature twin-balcony, and guests can enjoy the al fresco dining terrace.

Portugal

AmaDouro: Welcoming just 102 passengers into 51 spacious staterooms, the AmaDouro offers a personalised and relaxing river cruise experience. Most of the cabins include balconies so passengers can soak up the incredible views of Spain’s Douro Valley as the AmaDouro winds through terraced vineyards and historic towns.

AmaVida: At 260-feet long, the AmaVida has 51 staterooms and carries 102 passengers serviced by 30 crew. The vessel debuted in 2013 and cruises the Douro River through selected destinations in Spain and Portugal. Onboard there’s a spa and fitness room, a sun-deck pool and outside balcony staterooms to enjoy the views of the lush Douro Valley. 

AmaSintra: With 51 staterooms, the AmaSintra is a new sister ship to the AmaDouro and AmaVida, and offers itineraries typically from Port to Vila Real in Portugal. As the AmaSintra navigates the Douro River, guests can savour the local Port wine and regional dishes in the Main Restaurant, browse the gift shop, or get active with a fitness class.

Vietnam & Cambodia

A world of exotic experiences awaits 124 passengers as they cruise the magnificent Mekong River through Vietnam and Cambodia on the AmaDara ship. Crafted in Vietnam and featuring a sleek, modern Asian-style interior, the 302-foot AmaDara docks at major hubs such as Ho Chi Minh City and smaller places like Sa Dec. Onboard the AmaDara, enjoy the stunning Saigon lounge, savour Asian delicacies in the Main Restaurant or a degustation at the Chef’s Table.

Africa

For a captivating African cruise, the Zambezi Queen is designed thoughtfully to maximise wildlife viewing and offers itineraries along the legendary Chobe River. At a petite 158 feet and welcoming just 28 passengers, the vessel drifts along quietly using a water jet propulsion system, offering a close-up experience with exotic animals. Renovated in 2019, enjoy the striking views from the top-deck, air-conditioned dining room, lounge and bar.

Egypt

AmaDahlia: Explore the iconic sights of Egypt on AmaDahlia. This stylish Suite Ship carries up to 72 guests in 36 staterooms, including 16 luxurious suites. Enjoy the Nile River views from the heated sun-deck swimming pool and bar, taste authentic Egyptian cuisine at the Chef’s al fresco restaurant and pamper yourself at one of two massage rooms, or the hair and nail salon.

AmaLilia: Christened in 2024, AmaLilia cruises the Nile in style with upscale decor inspired by Egypt, carrying 82 passengers. Dine in the Main Dining Room on local fare infused with Middle Eastern spices, or enjoy the commentary of an expert Egyptologist. One of the AmaLilia’s signature itineraries is a seven-night round trip from Luxor, including a one-night post-cruise stay in Cairo. 

Latin America

AmaMagdalena: A thrilling and memorable Latin American experience awaits you aboard AmaMagdalena. This 223-foot vessel carries 60 passengers in 30 staterooms, including two luxurious Grand Suites, the Salsa and the Cumbia. As you soak up the river views along Colombia’s Magdalena River, try tasty Latin American cuisine, relax in the heated pool or book a massage in the wellness room.

AmaMelodia: Sail through the heart of South America aboard the elegant AmaMelodia. This 205-foot luxury river ship accommodates up to 64 guests in 32 spacious staterooms, all with twin balconies for panoramic views of the Amazon. Indulge in world-class dining, relax on the Observation Deck, or explore the onboard lounge and outdoor pool. 

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Frequently Asked Questions