Embarking on an AmaWaterways Rhine River cruise was a dream come true for me. As the ship sailed along the historic Rhine, I had the incredible opportunity to explore fascinating destinations such as Amsterdam, Cologne, the Rhine River Gorge lined with spectacular castles and the legendary Lorelei Rock, Strasbourg, Heidelberg, and the charming village of Riquewihr. As I recount the highlights of this remarkable journey, you will discover why you should book Amawaterways for your next river cruise.
Why Amawaterways River Cruises Should Be On Your Bucket List
This floating luxury boutique hotel is filled with amenities, including a panoramic lounge, an expansive sun deck with a pool, walking track, complimentary bicycles, spa, and daily wellness activities. All cabins are spacious outside staterooms, and the majority have AmaWaterways’ signature twin balconies. AmaWaterways also offers multiple connecting cabins as well as triple and quad accommodations, which are ideal for families and multigenerational groups. No wonder why the highly notable, Adventures By Disney exclusively partners with Amawaterways for their river cruise journeys!
IMMERSIVE AND ENRICHING SHORE EXCURSIONS
Amawaterways provides an array of tour options for travelers to fully experience the history, culture, and landscapes of Europe, South America, Africa, and Asia. Shore excursions with their expert tour guides are included in the cruise fare and are available in each port of call. This variety of tour choices is particularly appealing for those traveling with family members or a group of people who may have different interests and activity levels. Guests can explore at their own speed, with guided walking tours available at gentle, regular, and active pace levels. Guided hiking and biking excursions are also available for the active lifestyle traveler. The variety of tour options were excellent. From wine tasting on a 15th century family owned vineyard in Rudesheim, enjoying a hosted wine country biking tour, or joining a hike in the Black Forest, each curated tour provides an authentic and memorable experience. Depending on your selected tour, they are from 2-4 hours in length and each port offers some free time to shop, explore, or take one of their complimentary bicycles to explore on your own.
ONBOARD LIFE AND COMMUNITY
Amawaterways offers an environment of casual luxury, along with an incredibly welcoming staff. It is fantastic to spend time relaxing onboard and enjoying the ship’s amenities, exceptional cuisine, personalized service, and the lively onboard community. The AmaWaterways team creates a fantastic camaraderie by encouraging close interaction with staff members and other guests. Guests come together to share stories at mealtimes and get to know each other better on shore excursions. In the evenings, there is nightly entertainment and dancing in the Main Lounge as well as parties on the sun deck. My personal favorite onboard activity is the ship’s daily Sip & Sail happy hour in the Main Lounge. It’s a great place to meet other guests, visit with your group while enjoying complimentary beer, wine, spirits, and the ship’s signature drinks. It is also the time where your cruise director and the ship’s captain give updates and destination information.
ONBOARD HEALTH AND WELLNESS
AmaWaterways river cruise ships have a professionally trained Wellness Host on board who leads complimentary yoga, Zumba, and other fitness activities throughout the sailing. Active shore excursions, including guided bike tours and hikes, are also offered in ports of call. In addition, the ship’s sun deck features an outdoor, heated pool.
Aside from swimming or relaxing poolside, the wellness host offers complimentary aqua aerobics classes. For additional service fees, there is a spa and salon on board for those travelers looking to refresh and relax.
EXCEPTIONAL WINE AND CUISINE
Amawaterways is known for its exceptional cuisine and personalized, attentive service. It is a member of La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, one of the world’s most prestigious invitation-only culinary organizations. The dining areas include the Main Restaurant, the panoramic Al Fresco Terrace, and the elegant Chef’s Table complimentary dining venue. The Chef’s Table is a reservation-only gourmet culinary experience featuring an exquisite multi-course tasting menu paired with complimentary wines. The Main Restaurant serves three high quality plated meals daily, with menus featuring fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and regional cuisine. Wines, beer, and soft drinks are complimentary with meals, and a tapas menu is available in the lounge. Don’t forget to make reservations at the reception desk for the Chef’s Table dinner when you arrive at the ship. It is served in a beautiful, floor to ceiling window dining room at the back of the boat for a memorable dining experience. Be sure to book the dinner on an evening sailing.
PRE AND POST RIVER CRUISE LAND PACKAGES
For those travelers wanting to extend their vacation with a pre or post river cruise land package, Amawaterways has land packages available as well. Land packages include:
4 and 5 stars hotels which are conveniently located to major tourist sites, transfer service between hotel and the river cruise ship, portage service and daily breakfast at the hotel. In addition, you will be joined by a knowledgeable and friendly tour manager as you experience fascinating and unforgettable, guided city tours and excursions.
If you are interested in discovering Amawaterways River Cruise, please contact Michelle or one of our talented Wishes & Dreams Travel Advisors to start planning your memorable river cruise holiday. We look forward to the opportunity to create and start planning your vacation!
