AmaWaterways offers some of the finest river cruises in the industry, so rest assured you are in excellent hands when you choose to travel with them. Founded in 2002, AmaWaterways launched its first river cruise in 2008. Since then, the company has become a standout presence across Europe, with over 20 ships sailing the continent, and has expanded its reach to Africa, Egypt, Vietnam and most recently, Colombia.
With so many ships and destinations available, selecting the perfect one can feel overwhelming. But that is where we come in. Just click the Request a Quote button and let Famvia do the work. We will research the best ships and itineraries for you and your family, and the best part is that booking through us does not cost you anything extra.
Now, let’s take a closer look at AmaWaterways’ ships and destinations so you know exactly what to expect onboard.
AmaWaterways Ships
Every AmaWaterways ship is considered pretty good.
AmaWaterways has been offering river cruises since 2008, with new ships scheduled to launch in 2025 and 2026. All of their river cruises are highly regarded and consistently ranked among the best in the industry. The ships are designed to feel cozy and personal, with an average capacity of just 150 guests. That means every sailing feels intimate and peaceful.
Each river cruise includes at least one main dining room, along with either a whirlpool or a heated pool on the main deck. Most of their newer ships actually feature both. You will also find walking tracks, bicycles, and small gyms to help you stay active during your trip.
In addition, many ships include small spas with massage and hair salon services, as well as gift shops if you need to pick something up. Like most river cruise ships, they do not have a medical center onboard, but it is usually quick and easy to reach medical assistance on shore in case of emergencies.
Here are some standout features of AmaWaterways ships:
- Widely considered some of the most modern river cruise ships in the industry. AmaMagna, for example, offers the largest and most luxurious suites on the Danube River, ranging from 355 to 710 square feet.
- Small and intimate ships, with an average guest capacity of just 156.
- Onboard hair salons and full-service spas for added comfort, at an extra fee.
- Most staterooms feature not just one, but two private balconies - a French balcony and a full exterior balcony.
- Connecting staterooms are becoming increasingly popular with AmaWaterways, making them an excellent choice for large families and groups of friends.
- Bicycles are available on all ships, and newer vessels include a fitness center and a strong focus on wellness.
- Annual refurbishments during the winter dry dock period. Their European fleet receives regular updates, including new carpeting, fresh paint, updated fabrics, and more.
AmaWaterways Destinations
AmaWaterways is an expert when it comes to Europe, with dozens of ships sailing throughout the continent. The cruise line also has a strong presence in Asia, Africa, and most recently, South America, with new itineraries now available in Colombia. Let’s take a look at some of their most popular destinations.
Europe
- Danube
- Rhine
- Main & Moselle
- Seine
- Rhone & Saone
- Dordogne & Garonne
- Douro
- Dutch & Belgium Waterways
The Danube is one of AmaWaterways' most popular itineraries. “Best of the Danube” is a 7-night cruise that has received awards in the past and starts at $3,100 per guest.
The Rhine is another guest favorite, with dozens of available itineraries. A standout option is a brand new itinerary introduced in 2025, called “Europe's Rivers & Castles.” This 7-night cruise sails through the Czech Republic, France, Germany, and Luxembourg, and starts at $3,700.
There are also several itineraries along the Seine that focus exclusively on Paris. “Impressions of the Seine & Paris” is a 7-night cruise designed to highlight one of the most beautiful cities in the world, starting at $3,800 per guest.
The Douro River offers another excellent option, taking you through scenic regions of Portugal and Spain. One of the top choices here is “Flavors of Portugal & Spain,” a 7-night itinerary that starts at $3,300 per guest.
For those looking for a longer journey, AmaWaterways also offers 14-night Grand River Cruises that explore multiple rivers and countries. One example is the “Magnificent Europe” cruise, which starts at $9,200 per guest and sails along the Rhine and Danube. Destinations include Austria, Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands, and Slovakia.
Asia
- Mekong
AmaWaterways sails in Vietnam and Cambodia, exclusively along the Mekong River. They offer two itineraries in the region: Riches of the Mekong and Charms of the Mekong, both starting at $2,500 per guest.
Africa
- Chobe
AmaWaterways sails in Africa, offering a unique experience that combines a cruise along the Chobe River with unforgettable land safaris. Their itineraries in this region range from $10,000 to $20,000 per guest. One of the highlights is the Golden Trails of Africa itinerary, a 16-night journey that visits Botswana, Zambia, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.
Egypt
- Nile
You can sail one of the most iconic rivers in the world with AmaWaterways. They offer a single itinerary in the region, called Secrets of Egypt & the Nile. This 11-night journey starts at $5,400 per guest and combines immersive land tours with a relaxing river cruise. Highlights include visits to the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, the Grand Egyptian Museum, and many other legendary landmarks.
Colombia
- Magdalena
In March 2025, AmaWaterways launched its first cruises in South America, beginning with the Magdalena River in Colombia. They now offer two 7-night itineraries in the region: Wonders of Colombia and Magic of Colombia, with prices starting at approximately $3,000 per guest.
Special Cruises
Keep in mind that AmaWaterways also offers a variety of unique special cruises. These include Easter and Christmas sailings, Wine Cruises, and Specialty Cruises focused on music, beer, wellness, and even golf. Prices vary depending on the itinerary, but most of these themed cruises are available only in Europe. You can always contact us to check current pricing. As a general reference, a Christmas cruise typically starts at around $4,500 per guest.
Why book AmaWaterways with us?
At Famvia, we’re true experts when it comes to river cruising. Our team has crafted detailed guides and reviews covering a wide range of cruise lines, from Viking and A-Rosa to American Cruise Lines and more. We're also one of the few sources with an early guide ready for Celebrity River Cruises, set to debut in 2026.
Our expertise extends well beyond river cruising. We’ve worked closely for years with some of the world’s most prestigious luxury cruise lines, including Silversea, Seabourn, Explora Journeys, and others. This deep knowledge of luxury travel makes us especially well-equipped to help you plan the perfect AmaWaterways experience.
Ready to get started? Just click the Request a Quote button and send us a message. It’s completely free to reach out, and booking through us doesn’t cost a thing. In fact, you may even unlock exclusive deals available only through our travel advisors. Let us help you choose the right itinerary, ship, and sailing so you can enjoy the river cruise of a lifetime with AmaWaterways.
