The Ultimate Guide to AmaWaterways

Set sail for upscale cruising in contemporary style with AmaWaterways.

Family-owned and operated, AmaWaterways has a fleet of 23 ships sailing in Europe and an additional six vessels across 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 through the Christmas Markets, each itinerary brings its own magic.

Meanwhile, 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 each carry around 160 passengers. Moreover, 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 – sailing on 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.

What’s special about AmaWaterways?

If you have a passion for wine, set out on a specialty Celebration of Wine cruise. AmaWaterways hosts more than 70 of these themed voyages each year, taking passengers through Europe’s most iconic wine regions. Hosted by enthusiastic wine experts, you’ll visit historic vineyards, sip through private wine tastings, meet the makers and enjoy exclusive epicurean experiences.

There’s also a focus on active cruising. AmaWaterways was the first cruise line to carry a fleet of bicycles onboard for guests to use as part of guided tours or for independent exploration. The line partners with active travel company Backroads for themed cruises with full biking programs, complete with expert leaders and support vehicles.

Your cruise fare will include all meals, beverages at mealtimes, onboard activities and entertainment, and most shore excursions. The warm and welcoming crew will go above and beyond to ensure you have a memorable journey, with a high staff-to-guest ratio ensuring that your every need is met.

AmaWaterways dining

AmaWaterways’ expert chefs prepare delicious meals every day, offering classic Western dishes as well as regional cuisine 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. They also feature an intimate Chef’s Table restaurant, where the chef prepares a lavish multi-course dinner right in front of you.

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.

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.

In addition, 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.

AmaWaterways staterooms and suites

The spacious staterooms and suites of the AmaWaterways fleet are decorated with bright pops of colour that set off the sleek, contemporary styling. Additionally, all staterooms have a view, so you can take in the ever-changing scenery of terraced vineyards or wallowing buffalo, and luxe features like Egyptian bed linen, bathrooms with multi-jet shower heads and a flat-screen TV with entertainment on demand.

The line pioneered their signature ‘twin balcony’ concept, which can be found in most cabins. It features both a standard outside balcony and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open into a French balcony. Furthermore, it gives you the best of all worlds – glorious views, fresh air and outdoor seating, with a combination that will work for all weathers.

Many of the ships feature single staterooms. Offering the same amenities and stylish décor in a compact, they are ideal for solo travellers on a budget. Connecting staterooms and triple or quad rooms offer even more options for groups.

Entertainment and activities onboard AmaWaterways

Onboard entertainment serves as an extension of the destination you visit with AmaWaterways. Live performances could include a string quartet on a Danube River cruise. Moreover, folklore plays along the Mekong River while engaging lectures with a historian is offered on a Nile River cruise.

The ship’s resident musician will perform 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. 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 and hot tubs.

AmaWaterways shore excursions

Every cruiser is different, so AmaWaterways’ shore excursion program has options to suit. In each port, there are multiple excursions included in your fare, meaning you’re sure to find something that interests you. Enjoy city tours, village visits, guided tours of museums and cultural institutions, or foodie journeys into the local cuisine. 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.

Special interest tours are designed to immerse you even further in a destination and feature things like learning to knot pretzels in Germany or sampling Belgian waffles in Antwerp. These are also included in your cruise fare.

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.

AmaWaterways fleet