Overview
Is AmaWaterways right for you?
AmaWaterways is a family-owned line that helped define modern luxury river cruising and regularly tops the category in reviews. Its longships carry around 150–160 guests and dock right in the center of Europe’s storybook towns along the Rhine, Danube, Douro, Seine, Rhône, Moselle and beyond. What sets AmaWaterways apart is choice and activity: multiple included excursions in most ports — including guided bike tours (the ships carry bicycles) and hikes — alongside classic walking tours. Add genuinely excellent cuisine (it’s a member of La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs), a heated sun-deck pool on many ships, and a warm, personal crew.
Who it’s best for
- First-time and returning river cruisers
- Active travelers (biking, hiking, walking tours)
- Food-and-wine lovers
- Couples wanting immersive, unpack-once travel
Popular ships
AmaMagna
A revolutionary “wider” Danube ship — nearly twice the width of a typical longship, with more space and dining venues.
AmaKristina / AmaLucia / AmaSerena
Elegant longships sailing the Rhine, Danube, Moselle and Rhône.
AmaDouro / AmaDahlia
Ships crafted for the terraced Douro (Portugal) and the Nile (Egypt).
Cabin recommendations
Best views
Choose a stateroom with a “twin-balcony” (both a French and full outside balcony) on the upper decks for the best river scenery.
Value
Lower-deck French-balcony cabins save money while still giving you fresh air and a view.
Suites
Suites add welcome space for longer itineraries — ask us about availability, as they sell out first.
Dining
Dining is a standout: a single seating in the main restaurant with regional menus paired to local wines (included with lunch and dinner), plus The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant at no extra charge on most ships. As a member of La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs culinary society, AmaWaterways takes food seriously — expect fresh, locally sourced, beautifully executed meals.
Entertainment
River cruising is destination-led: enrichment talks, local musicians and cultural performers brought aboard, and a relaxed lounge with a pianist. The real “entertainment” is the daily choice of excursions — city walks, bike rides along the river, hikes and special experiences — plus the ever-changing scenery from the sun deck.
What’s included
- Daily excursions — including guided bike & hike options
- Regional cuisine with wine, beer & soft drinks at meals
- The Chef’s Table specialty dining (no surcharge)
- Onboard bicycles and a fitness/wellness area
- Wi-Fi and enrichment programming
AmaWaterways FAQs
River ships are small (~150 guests), dock right in the center of town, and glide past constantly changing scenery — you unpack once and wake up somewhere new without sea days. It’s more intimate, more inclusive, and far more destination-immersive than a big ocean ship.
Choice and activity. Most ports include multiple excursion options — from gentle walking tours to guided bike rides (the ships carry bikes) and hikes — plus excellent Chaîne des Rôtisseurs cuisine and a warm, family-owned service culture. It consistently rates at the top of the category.
The Danube (Budapest–Vienna–the Wachau Valley) and the Rhine (castles, Cologne, the Black Forest) are the classic first choices. The Douro (Portugal) and Seine (Paris–Normandy) are wonderful too. We’ll match the river, season and ship to what you want to see.