What type of cruising does AmaWaterways offer?

AmaWaterways offers luxury river cruises across Europe, Asia, Colombia, Egypt, and Africa. Founded in 2002, the company provides intimate river cruise experiences with a high staff-to-guest ratio and all English-speaking crew.

What is the AmaWaterways brand identity and heritage?

AmaWaterways, branded as 'the Heart of the River,' was founded in 2002 by three families: co-founders Rudi Schreiner (born in Vienna), Kristin Karst (born in Germany), and Jimmy Murphy. Rudi Schreiner became a driving force in river cruising after the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal was built in 1992. The company prides itself on being truly inclusive of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, and family compositions.

What rivers and regions does AmaWaterways cruise on according to the 2025 brochure?

AmaWaterways cruises on the Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Main, Seine, Saône, Rhône, Garonne, Dordogne (France), Douro (Portugal), and Magdalena (Colombia) rivers in Europe and South America. They also offer cruises on the Mekong (Vietnam and Cambodia), the Nile (Egypt), and the Zambezi/Chobe rivers in Africa, along with Africa safari and wildlife cruise options.

What is the AmaMagna and what makes it unique?

The AmaMagna is AmaWaterways' flagship river cruise ship sailing the Danube River. It holds the number one spot in the Insight Guides: River Cruising in Europe & the USA by expert Douglas Ward, outranking the competition in categories including accommodations, facilities, cuisine, and hospitality.

What are the key features of AmaWaterways' river cruise ships in 2026?

AmaWaterways' ships accommodate an average of just 156 guests and feature spacious staterooms with signature twin balconies, French balconies or full balconies. Ships include The Chef's Table Specialty Restaurant, multiple dining venues, a Sun Deck, and are thoughtfully designed with sustainable features to protect natural ecosystems. The ships have been rated award-winning by multiple travel publications.

What themed cruises does AmaWaterways offer in 2025?

AmaWaterways offers Wine Cruises and Christmas Market Cruises as themed options. Christmas Market cruises include Iconic Christmas Markets, Christmas Markets on the Danube, and Christmas Markets on the Rhine. Additionally, the 2025 brochure introduces new itineraries including Celebration of Music: Imperial Danube, Magic of Colombia, and Wonders of Colombia.

What new itinerary additions are featured in the AmaWaterways 2026 brochure?

The 2026 brochure introduces several new itineraries including Grand Rhine & Dutch Canals, Best of the Danube, Grand Seine & Rhône, and Grand Seine & Bordeaux. It also features Speciality Golf Cruises alongside the returning Wine Cruises and Christmas Cruises, and continues offering cruises in Vietnam & Cambodia, Colombia, Egypt, and Africa.

What is included in the AmaWaterways river cruise fare?

The fare includes elegantly appointed riverview staterooms (most with twin or French balconies), an experienced Cruise Manager, all meals on board with complimentary unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks during lunch and dinner, Sip & Sail cocktail hour, unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi, small guided group excursions, complimentary bicycles and helmets, Nordic walking sticks, a Wellness Programme with a trained Wellness Host, and Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms.

What new inclusions does AmaWaterways offer in 2026?

The 2026 brochure highlights inclusions such as fine dining at multiple dining venues with complimentary unlimited premium wine, beer and soft drinks during lunch and dinner, The Chef's Table Specialty Restaurant, daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour, a choice from up to eight daily excursions (guided hikes, bike tours, culinary demonstrations), a Wellness Programme, unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi, complimentary bicycles and Nordic walking sticks, port charges, and all English-speaking staff.

AmaBella — AmaWaterways

Isn’t she lovely? Newly reimagined in 2021, the graceful AmaBella is a stunning river ship, unique in her own right. The intimate lounge is an inviting place to grab a cocktail and the thoughtfully redesigned reception area, adorned with charming pieces of contemporary art, provides a warm welcome after a day exploring ashore. Most staterooms feature our signature twin balconies so you can enjoy the views however you wish, as well as Entertainment-On-Demand and marble bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads. Elegant suites feature added enhancements, including a large sitting area and an expansive bathroom complete with a bathtub and separate shower. You’ll also find a massage and hair salon on board, a fitness room, specialty coffee station and a gift shop. An expansive Sun Deck with a heated pool offers special moments of pure relaxation. Mealtimes are a feast for the senses in the Main Restaurant and at The Chef’s Table where you will witness our chefs in action through our glass-walled kitchen. Our new “Café Bistro” is the perfect al fresco setting to play cards, mingle or enjoy a light lunch. Throughout your journey on the Danube, you may catch sight of AmaVerde, AmaBella’s “secret lover.” The two ships cross paths as they sail opposite directions, catching brief moments together as they rendezvous in select ports along the Danube River.

In-room temperature control Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone Flat-screen TV that also works as a computer Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi Complimentary bottled water replenished daily Desk and chair

Savour exquisite cuisine at a variety of dining venues, like the Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table. You can also order delicious tapas between meals in the Main Lounge. **Sip and Savour with Our Compliments ** You will enjoy complimentary, unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks during lunch and dinner, as well as sparkling wine and fresh-squeezed juices during breakfast. Our reds and whites are of the highest quality and come from European wineries and vineyards. There is also a daily complimentary Sip & Sail cocktail hour featuring a drink of the day and a larger menu of cocktails, wine, beer and spirits, with a curated collection of mocktails also available on select ships. **Thoughtful Consideration of Dietary Needs ** Whether a special diet or allergies limits the ingredients in which you indulge, our attentive culinary team is ready and waiting to accommodate you. Enticing vegetarian and vegan dishes, gluten-free main courses and desserts, and even low-sodium and dairy-free meals are available. Simply inform your travel advisor or AmaWaterways before you embark and meet with our maître d’ once on board – then prepare to dine with peace of mind.

**Farm-to-Table Gastronomy** For years we have sourced all our fresh produce, herbs and freshwater fish from local farmers, many of whose families have been cultivating the soil along the banks of the Danube for generations. Our shared commitment to sustainability, family and personal connection makes us proud to support these farms – guaranteeing fresh and flavorful ingredients while reducing the distance each item travels to our ships. Incorporating the highest quality seasonal ingredients, such as Marchfeld asparagus in the spring and Wachau Valley apricots in summer, our expert chefs bring the taste of the country from the fields, orchards, farms and docks to your plate at every meal.

Join a few of your fellow travelers at The Chef’s Table, an intimate venue where the kitchen, usually hidden, becomes part of the entertainment. Watch as the chef meticulously chops, sears and plates a mouthwatering tasting menu in front of your eyes – a highlight of your culinary journey that is served with a selection of fine wines, all courtesy of AmaWaterways.

Our skilled chefs ensure that our menus always have healthy choices prepared with the freshest locally-sourced ingredients. We are also able to accommodate dietary needs such as low-sodium, vegetarian and gluten-free. Below are some of our favorite recipes for health-conscious guests. - **Beetroot Salad - **This vegetarian recipe brings vivid colors and flavors to life. - **Avocado Chocolate Mousse **- An indulgent yet low-carb and sugar-free treat- **Gluten-Free Almond Cake Recipe** - A delicious gluten-free way to indulge worry-free.- **Gluten-Free Pizza Recipe - **An onboard gluten-free favorite you can easily make at home.

With fewer guests on board, we have space for luxurious amenities. Relax with a soothing massage or visit the hair salon after a day of exploring, stay in shape with a small group wellness activity led by a professionally trained Wellness Host, work out in the fitness room or watch breathtaking castles glide by while enjoying a cocktail up on the Sun Deck. You can also take a dip in our sun-deck pool with a swim-up bar. On any of our ships, you can also recharge from the comfort of your stateroom by watching a Hollywood blockbuster or a variety of other English-language programming on your personal Entertainment-On-Demand system.

With fewer guests on board, you can enjoy the luxury of space to unwind, relax and reconnect with your loved ones. Our public areas, including lounges and restaurants, are never overcrowded.

Whether it’s traditional Bavarian music, a local quartet or modern piano favorites, there is an eclectic schedule of entertainment on board.

**Every Excursion Included: **Choose From Up to Eight Each Day We appreciate that no two travelers are alike. To accommodate your unique needs and interests, we have curated a diverse menu of shore excursions. From historic city tours to guided hikes, exhilarating bike rides and tastings of local specialties, every tour is led by a knowledgeable local guide, is operated in a small group and is offered with our compliments. **Three Activity Levels** Some guests wish to journey further and move at a quicker pace during their excursions while others prefer more time to take photos or require frequent rests. To ensure every guest may explore at their own comfort level, we offer our tours at three distinct activity levels, ensuring even our most “gentle walkers” are not left behind – because why settle for anything less than perfect on your long-awaited vacation? **Inclusive and Accommodating** Our convenient Quietvox audio devices ensure you can hear your tour guide clearly amidst the hustle and bustle of cities and at the volume most comfortable for you. We also offer a limited number of Nordic walking sticks and sport seats for guests who need extra support or periodic breaks. * Additional accommodations can be made for select groups – contact your travel advisor or call us to inquire.

We are proud to have been the first river cruise line to carry an entire fleet of complimentary state-of-the-art bicycles on board, so you can pedal alongside enchanting riverside pathways and in city centers on a variety of included excursions throughout Europe. Whether you feel like joining one of our exclusive guided bike tours, or you want to reserve a bike to discover a destination on your own, there are many ways for you to explore on two wheels during your river cruise. From lighter five-mile bike tours to rides that stretch over 20 miles, we offer excursions for guests at any level. **Bike Tour Guides** Your guide will be sure to stop and point out highlights along the way, providing interesting facts and history, as well as much-needed water breaks! Often, there is some built-in free time for you to explore off your bike. And best of all, to ensure no guests are left behind, there is typically a guide both at the front and back of the tour group, so whatever pace you pedal, you will have peace of mind you will be taken care of and find your way back to the ship.  **Child-sized Bikes** There are a limited number of child-size bicycles available on board as well. This enables you to enjoy family-friendly active excursions in many destinations along the rivers.

The beauty of Europe does not simply lie in its architecture and landmarks – there are also breathtaking sights when you venture out into nature. That’s why we have designed special included hikes that will take you a bit off the beaten path, showing you incredible destinations from a unique perspective and giving you a chance to revel in the fresh air. With hikes ranging anywhere from two to seven miles and varying from extended city walks to hilltop castle treks, you are sure to find a wonderful hike that suits your style.

We offer a variety of included tours specially curated with your individual passions in mind. Enjoy exploring the world through your tastebuds? Indulge in authentic Belgian waffles and chocolate in Antwerp or learn the art of French breadmaking in Libourne. Are you interested in engineering? Venture through the immense aerospace and locomotive collections at Speyer’s Technik Museum. Do you love music? Browse the antique music boxes and organs at Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet while cruising the Rhine.

AmaWaterways strives to ensure every guest is able to enhance their best self on board. We are proud to offer a variety of guided hikes, biking excursions, engaging fitness classes led by professionally trained Wellness Hosts as well as heated sun-deck pools, whirlpools, fitness rooms and massage services. Overseen fleetwide by our Corporate Wellness Host and Ironman event participant, Selina Wery, our wellness activities are an enriching way to nourish your mind, body and spirit during your river cruise.

Are you looking for a way to stay fit on vacation? Hit the treadmill or lift some weights while cruising from one destination to the next.

A variety of daily activities are available for guests, with group classes such as pilates, resistance band stretching, cardio, active wellness walks and dance, based on each individual Wellness Host’s expertise. Guests of all ages and activity levels are encouraged to participate and simple modifications are offered for guests with mobility limitations.

After a marvellous day of immersive shore excursions, return to the ship and treat yourself to a bit of pampering with a soothing massage. ***Massage services available for a nominal fee.*

Whether you’d like to dress up for the captain’s special dinner or a night out on the town, you can complete your look by getting your hair styled in our salon.

Soak up some rays or take a dip in our refreshing pool with a swim-up bar as we pass by centuries-old castles, charming villages and other breathtaking scenery.

All guests under the age of 18 are to be in a stateroom with an adult and must remain supervised at all times; their safety is the responsibility of the accompanying adult(s). In the case where a triple or quad occupancy stateroom is not available or not selected, children under the age of 10 at the time of embarkation may share a stateroom with two adults only in circumstances where the child is able to share the bed with the adults – no additional bed will be provided. Please be aware that balcony staterooms of any kind may be unsafe for minors if left unsupervised. There is a minimum age limit of 4 years old, unless otherwise agreed upon by AmaWaterways. AmaWaterways does not provide child-specific programs or child-minding facilities. Please reach out to us if you have any further questions regarding our child policy.

Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside any of the ships. Smoking is only permitted on the Sun Deck. For the safety and comfort of all passengers on board, your cooperation in observing the no-smoking policy is greatly appreciated.

Please advise your Travel Agent or call us directly to advise if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies prior to embarkation. In most cases, we will do our best to accommodate special dietary requests and food allergies, but with one exception: Kosher. This diet has specific rules regarding food and its preparation and the shipboard environment does have limitations that prevent us from being able to adequately cater to this dietary need. Please note, though we can provide options to accommodate food allergies and sensitivities, we cannot guarantee there will not be any cross-contamination.

Comfortable, layered clothing adaptable to changing weather conditions is always advisable for daytime excursions. For the evening, “Casually elegant” attire is recommended and you may want to pack something a little dressier for the Captain’s night/Farewell Dinner – similar to how one would dress to dine at a 5-star restaurant. Comfortable shoes are recommended for excursions and workout clothing if you plan to take part in any wellness activities, active tours or use the onboard gym. Depending on the time of year, clothing that can be layered is highly recommended.

There are no medical facilities on board. However medical services can easily be called from shore if required.

High-speed Internet service is available free of charge as part of the in-stateroom "Entertainment-On-Demand." Additionally, AmaWaterways offers complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship.

On AmaWaterways’ European ships, there are a limited number of canes with small sport seats as well as Nordic walking sticks to assist our guests who need extra support during excursions. We also offer “gentle walkers” tours which typically move at a comfortable pace and make more frequent stops. Land packages and shore excursions require a moderate-to-challenging amount of walking and sites may have steps and/or uneven terrain. The embarkation/disembarkation points between ship and shore may not be able to accommodate guests with mobility issues. Facilities and services for guests with physical limitations may sometimes be limited or non-existent. Our ships are not equipped with facilities for guests with limited mobility. Motorcoaches, boats and minibuses used for transfers and shore excursions also are not accessible to guests with limited mobility requiring the use of mobility aids like wheelchairs, scooters or any other mechanical devices. Please inquire with your travel advisor or our Reservations Team to ensure which itineraries and destinations are the best suited for your needs.