
If you are a frequent consumer of my content, you know that I have sailed over 100 days on Holland America Line, over 80 days on Carnival, and many days on MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean ocean cruises.
Recently I became aware of AmaWaterways and I’m overwhelmed.
AmaWaterways is a leading river cruise line known for its luxurious ships, spacious staterooms with twin balconies, award-winning dining, and immersive shore excursions. With a strong focus on personalized service, the line offers enriching itineraries through Europe, Asia, and Africa, featuring small-group tours, wellness programs, and complimentary bikes for exploration. AmaWaterways also excels in culinary excellence, being a member of La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, and includes fine dining with wine pairings. Its commitment to innovation, such as the double-wide AmaMagna on the Danube, sets it apart as a top choice for river cruising.

On every sailing with AmaWaterways, guests enjoy impeccable service and superb cuisine. The upfront price covers all onboard meals and unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks at lunch and dinner, plus a “Sip & Sail” cocktail hour. You can also enjoy an included night at the Chef’s Table Restaurant. Here, six amazing courses are served along with a selection of wines, and chefs prepare and plate the meal in front of you.
Onboard menus feature locally sourced ingredients and recipes, and you’ll be taken care of by crew members who go above and beyond to ensure an unforgettable trip. There are elegant and inviting public spaces on the ship, and many staterooms feature twin balconies: a French balcony with glass doors that open to a railing and a full balcony that you can walk out on.
AmaWaterways’ rates also include a choice of complimentary excursions in each port of call, from walking tours of historic districts and guided hiking and biking excursions to unique cultural experiences. For example, in the twin cities of Tournon and Tain l’Hermitage on the Rhone, you can take in brilliant views of the Doux Valley on a private train ride, enjoy wine and chocolate tastings or visit local vineyards.
AmaWaterways will introduce a handful of new itineraries this year, including Best of the Danube, an 8-day roundtrip cruise from Budapest that includes time in Bratislava, Vienna and Salzburg, and Grand Rhine & Dutch Canals, a 15-day sailing through the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Switzerland.
Next year, AmaWaterways will launch a new collection of European sailings with Smithsonian Journeys. Two dedicated and knowledgeable Smithsonian Journey Experts will accompany guests on each cruise, offering enriching lectures about the regions visited.
I recently spoke about the flagship of the AmaWaterways fleet, the AmaMagna on News4Jax here in Jacksonville.
For more info about AmaWaterways, and to book your next river or ocean going cruise, email me at slara1961@gmail.com.