Why choose AmaWaterways
AmaWaterways' ships are elegant, modern and packed with facilities, and unlike many river cruise lines have a decent-sized pool on the sundeck, wellness centre, gym and beauty salon.
On the line's newest ship, AmaMagna, passengers can experience four dining venues, a cinema and Zen Wellness Studio.
The family-owned AmaWaterways is also the only river cruise line to be part of the renowned La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs – a gastronomic society dedicated to fine dining.
Speaking of which, dining with AmaWaterways is exceptional – from the vast buffet to speciality Chef’s Table restaurant with its wine-pairing dinners.
The cruise line is also championing sustainability, with 18 of its European ships having received the Green Award certification for environmental performance.
Cruising with AmaWaterways
One of the more luxurious – and therefore pricier – river cruise lines, AmaWaterways offers a near all-inclusive cruising experience, with alcoholic drinks included during lunch and dinner and at all times on the Mekong and Chobe.
Life on board is pleasingly relaxed and informal. Each ship carries around 150 guests, and there’s a distinct focus on exploration, rejuvenation, and wellness: expect complimentary small-group fitness classes, spa facilities, special healthy menus, more time in port, and the use of bicycles.
AmaWaterways suits first-time river cruisers or those used to the extensive facilities of an ocean ship.
Who should travel
Due to its higher price, AmaWaterways typically attracts a more mature crowd – retired couples and older groups of friends – with passengers usually hovering around 65.
However, thanks to its innovative wellness programme, on-board facilities and sailings in Asia and Africa, the line is starting to attract a younger crowd.
Families are also welcome, something the larger swimming pools and spacious cabins – some with twin balconies – bears testimony too.
Many passengers hail from the US, but you’ll also find British passenger and Europeans on board as well as Australians – AmaWaterways works with Australian tour company APT on all its cruises.
Destinations
AmaWaterways operates a fleet of 23 river ships across Europe, Asia and Africa. In Europe, the cruise line offers sailings on the Dutch and Belgian waterways, and various itineraries sailing on the Douro, Danube, Rhine and Moselle – including wine-themed sailings and Christmas market trips.
In France, passengers can cruise on the Rhône, Saône and Seine, to the likes of Bordeaux, Paris, Provence and Normandy.
AmaWaterways offers river cruises and safaris on Africa's Chobe river, a bucket-list cruise on the Nile and sailings on Vietnam and Cambodia's Mekong River.
Dining
AmaWaterways offers a super premium cruise experience, especially when it comes to dining. The cruise line is the only river cruise line to be part of the prestigious La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs gastronomic society, meaning passengers can look forward to fantastic meals prepped by highly skilled chefs.
AmaWaterways is also the cruise line for health and wellness lovers, offering vegan and raw menus, and its new ship AmaMagna has a juice bar.
Inclusions
AmaWaterways offers a partially inclusive experience. Alcoholic and soft drinks are available with lunch and dinner (outside of these times, expect an extra cost),while there's also unlimited tea and coffee, bottled water, wi-fi and use of the ship’s facilities.
The line has a fleet of bicycles which are complimentary for guests sailing in Europe to use, and a handful of shore excursions are completely gratis. On the Mekong and Chobe, alcoholic and soft drinks are included throughout the day.
