AmaWaterways · River lines
AmaWaterways is a family-owned river line on the rivers of Europe, plus the Mekong, the Nile and Colombia's Magdalena. Its ships are known for the food, the bikes and, on the newest ships, a sun-deck pool. Suites are large by river standards. River cruises begin in European cities, so a Naples client flies. I have not sailed AmaWaterways. It is the river line I hear the most about from clients who have.
Jasmine Deck. Press photo, AmaWaterways
Grand Suites and the Owner's Suite
- The Owner's Suite is one per ship on the newer vessels, with a separate living room and a wide twin balcony.
- Grand Suites are the next category with a living area and a larger balcony. Both get butler-style service from the ship's concierge.
- AmaMagna, on the Danube, is twice the width of a normal river ship and has suites larger than most ocean-ship suites.
- Most cabins are twin-balcony staterooms with both a French balcony and a step-out balcony, which the line pioneered.
What comes with it
- Wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- All dining, including The Chef's Table restaurant
- Daily guided excursions with a choice of pace
- Bicycles for independent riding
- Wi-Fi
From Florida
None. Sailings start in Amsterdam, Budapest, Basel, Paris, Lisbon, Cairo and Ho Chi Minh City. Naples clients fly from Fort Myers or Miami, and I usually add a hotel night at the start so the ship is not met jet-lagged.
The ships
AmaMagna · AmaLilia · AmaSintra · AmaDahlia · AmaSiena · AmaLucia · AmaKristina · AmaDara
Active and food-led. Guests ride the bikes, take the hikes and come back for a dinner that is better than river cruising used to be.
AmaWaterways in pictures
Violin Deck · Press photo, AmaWaterways
Who it fits
- First-time river cruisers who want an active, well-fed week in Europe.
- Wine lovers. AmaWaterways runs themed wine cruises with winery visits.
- Couples who want a pool on a river ship.
Who should look elsewhere
- Anyone who wants a drive-to trip. Every river cruise starts with a flight.
- Guests who expect ocean-ship space. Even the Grand Suites are compact.
Questions about AmaWaterways
Also river lines
Thinking about AmaWaterways?
Kathryn will price its top tier against the suites she has stayed in and tell you where it wins.