AMA Waterways

The Art of River Cruising

For over two decades, AmaWaterways has stood at the forefront of luxury river cruising, pioneering innovations that have redefined the industry. Over this time, this family-owned and operated company has grown to operate 29 custom-designed ships, while maintaining an unwavering commitment to excellence and personal service. The name “Ama” means love – and this philosophy infuses every aspect of their service, from the meticulously crafted itineraries to the thoughtful touches that make every guest feel special.

The fleet traverses the world’s most iconic waterways, from the storied rivers of Europe to the mighty Mekong in Southeast Asia, the wildlife-rich Chobe in Africa, the ancient Nile in Egypt, and recently, the pristine Magdalena in Colombia. Each ship is a masterpiece of design, carrying an average of just 156 guests to ensure an intimate experience. AmaWaterways distinguishes itself through innovative ship design, as seen in vessels like the revolutionary AmaMagna, and offers unique experiences via special interest cruises, including their celebrated Celebration of Wine sailings. Whether you’re exploring the Bordeaux wine region in France, cruising through the Wachau Valley in Austria, or discovering the Douro Valley in Portugal, each journey delivers authentic, immersive moments showcasing the essence of these magnificent regions.

Destinations

Explore with AMAWaterways

  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Colombia
  • Eygpt
  • Europe

Staterooms & Suites

Elegant Floating Sanctuaries

AmaWaterways’ commitment to luxury is nowhere more evident than in their thoughtfully designed accommodations. Most staterooms and suites feature the cruise line’s signature twin balconies; a French balcony and a full outside balcony offering guests the ultimate in viewing pleasure and fresh air options. This unique design allows you to transform your room into an open-air haven while taking in the ever-changing riverside scenery.

Each floating sanctuary is appointed with sophisticated decor and premium amenities that rival luxury hotels. The marble bathrooms feature multi-jet showers, plush cotton bathrobes, and slippers, while generous closet and storage space ensures a clutter-free environment. The carefully planned living areas include a cosy sitting space, a desk/dressing table, and state-of-the-art entertainment systems with on-demand programming.

For those seeking the ultimate in luxury, the suites offer expanded living spaces up to an impressive 66m² on AmaMagna. These premium accommodations feature spacious bathrooms with both bathtub and shower, enhanced sitting areas, and unparalleled views from their expanded balconies. Select ships also offer connecting staterooms and triple/quad accommodations, making family travel more convenient without compromising on comfort and style.

Bars & Dining

Farm-to-Table Excellence

AmaWaterways’ membership in the prestigious La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs and Tables et Auberges de France isn’t just a badge of honor, it’s a commitment to culinary excellence that’s evident in every meal served onboard. Their farm-to-table philosophy ensures that every dish showcases the freshest ingredients; fish is freshly caught, bread and pastries are baked fresh daily onboard, and fruits and vegetables are sourced from local markets along the journey.

The Main Restaurant offers sophisticated à la carte dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while the Main Lounge provides casual bistro options throughout the day. The crown jewel of the culinary experience is The Chef’s Table; an intimate specialty restaurant included in your fare. Here, guests can watch as skilled chefs prepare a multi-course tasting menu in an open kitchen, each course thoughtfully paired with premium local wines selected by European sommeliers.

Throughout the day, culinary delights await. Start with a European-style breakfast buffet complemented by made-to-order specialties, enjoy light lunches in the lounge, savor afternoon tea with fresh pastries, and cap off your evening with a multi-course dinner featuring regional specialties.The complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks flow freely during lunch and dinner, with carefully chosen vintages that reflect the regions you’re traveling through.

Life Onboard

Wellness and Relaxation

AmaWaterways has revolutionised the river cruise experience by offering amenities typically found only on luxury ocean liners. Their commitment to wellness is evident through dedicated Wellness Hosts who lead complimentary fitness classes tailored to all abilities, from gentle stretching to core strengthening and cardio. The Sun Deck becomes a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with its heated swimming pool or whirlpool – some ships even featuring innovative swim-up bars that let you enjoy refreshments while soaking in panoramic views.

The fitness center is equipped with modern cardio equipment and weights, allowing guests to maintain their exercise routines while travelling. For those seeking relaxation, the onboard spa offers a range of therapeutic treatments, from traditional massages to beauty services, all performed by skilled therapists. The beauty salon provides hair styling and treatments, ensuring you look your best for special evenings onboard.

Each ship also features a thoughtfully stocked gift shop offering everything from local artisanal products to essential items you might have forgotten at home. The extensive sun deck walking track invites morning strolls or evening constitutionals, while comfortable loungers provide the perfect spot for reading or simply watching the world float by. Complimentary Wi-Fi and an entertainment-on-demand system in each stateroom ensure you can stay connected or enjoy a quiet movie night in your private sanctuary.

Entertainment

Evenings of Cultural Discovery

As the sun sets, AmaWaterways ships transform into vibrant venues of cultural celebration. Each evening brings unique entertainment that reflects the regions you’re exploring – from traditional Bavarian orchestras in Germany to classical string quartets in Vienna and folkloric performances in Hungary. These aren’t merely shows; they’re authentic cultural exchanges that bring the heart and soul of each destination aboard.

The signature Sip & Sail cocktail hour becomes a social highlight, where guests gather to share their day’s adventures over complimentary drinks and canapés. Special events punctuate your journey; the Welcome Cocktail and Dinner sets a festive tone at the cruise’s start, while the La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dinner showcases the kitchen’s culinary prowess. The Captain’s Cocktail and Gala Dinner provide elegant celebrations that create lasting memories.

During daylight hours, the enrichment continues with expert lectures on regional history, art, and culture. Wine appreciation sessions, cooking demonstrations, and language lessons add layers of understanding to your journey, while the intimate ship size ensures you can easily engage with speakers and fellow guests in meaningful discussions.

Inclusions

  • All meals on board
  • Complimentary unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks during lunch and dinner
  • Sip & Sail cocktail hour with complimentary beer, wine, and spirits
  • Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaine des Rotisseurs Dinner, Captain’s Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • Entertainment on-demand in all staterooms and suites
  • High-speed internet
  • Complimentary water always available
  • Small guided group excursions with a variety of choices, including immersive special interest tours, and hiking and biking adventures
  • Bicycles and helmets, as well as Nordic walking sticks
  • Distinctive onboard programs, such as lectures, theme dinners, music performances, and afternoon/evening piano music
  • Wellness Program and classes led by a professionally trained Wellness Host
  • Expertly trained, all English-speaking staff
  • An experienced Cruise Manager who accompanies you throughout your journey

Accessibility

AmaWaterways river cruises offer limited accessibility for passengers with mobility challenges. While European ships feature an elevator connecting the two main decks, it doesn’t extend to the Sun or Piano Decks. Though wheelchairs can be used in common areas like the dining room and lounge, staterooms aren’t wheelchair-accessible, requiring guests to move independently within their rooms and store their mobility devices due to space constraints. The narrow boarding planks typically can’t accommodate wheelchairs or scooters, and guests must be able to transfer independently and have lightweight equipment that can be lifted on and off ramps.

Additional challenges include occasional requirements to disembark through other ships via the Sun Deck’s stairs, cobblestone streets in many European destinations that are difficult to navigate, and motor coaches without lifts that require climbing several steep steps. For itineraries in Vietnam, Cambodia, Africa, and Egypt, guests must be fully able-bodied, as these destinations feature numerous unpaved roads, and the ships in these regions do not have elevators.

The Perfect Match: Who Cruises AMA Waterways

The typical AmaWaterways guest embodies sophisticated curiosity. Most are well-traveled individuals around 60 years of age, often retired or nearing retirement, who seek authentic cultural experiences and refined comfort. While the cruise line welcomes guests of all ages (minimum 4 years, or 12 for African safaris), the mature atmosphere appeals particularly to those who appreciate nuanced cultural immersion and elegant dining experiences.

Many guests are couples celebrating special occasions or travelling with friends, though solo travelers find the intimate ship size and friendly atmosphere welcoming. Multi-generational families often choose AmaWaterways for special celebrations, appreciating the mix of cultural enrichment and comfortable accommodations, though it’s worth noting there aren’t specific children’s programs.

Why we love AMA Waterways

AMAWaterways stands out for their commitment to personalised exploration, offering up to six included excursions daily that range from active adventures like guided hikes and bike tours to culinary demonstrations and leisurely city walks. Their dedication to environmental stewardship is evident through their prestigious Green Award certification across their entire European fleet, while their elimination of single-use plastics demonstrates their leadership in sustainable river cruising.

AMA Waterways is perfect for you if….

you would like to experience a wide variety of unique excursions, award winning cuisine and a wellness program onboard a casually elegant ship.