AmaWaterways is a great choice for:
- Travelers seeking a luxurious river cruise experience
- Guests aged 50 and above
- Anyone who values modern ships and exceptional service
AmaWaterways might not be great for:
- Young adults looking for a high-energy atmosphere
- Families with children
Ama means love.
And you know what? You’re bound to fall in love with AmaWaterways. We're talking about one of the most respected and acclaimed river cruise lines in the world. Do a bit of research online and you'll notice a common theme: when it comes to exceptional river cruising, AmaWaterways and Viking are always at the top of the conversation. They're the kind of sure bet that guarantees a fantastic experience, much like Apple in the tech world or Seabourn in luxury ocean cruising.
Before we move on, remember that you can always reach out to us at Famvia if you need help with AmaWaterways. We are true experts in river cruises and have years of experience planning unforgettable journeys. Just click the Request a Quote button and let’s chat. There is no cost to contact us, and you never pay extra when booking your cruise through Famvia. In many cases, you might even save money, as we often have access to exclusive offers and special deals.
AmaWaterways focuses exclusively on river cruises, with a presence across Europe, Africa, and beginning in 2026, the rivers of Colombia in South America. This is a well-established brand with a fleet of around 30 ships, continually refining and perfecting the river cruise experience year after year. They are true experts in destinations like the Danube, Douro, Seine, and Nile, and even a few rivers you may not have heard of yet.
With itineraries spanning over 15 rivers, AmaWaterways continues to expand its reach. Here’s hoping they one day bring their expertise to the United States with routes along the Mississippi River or even through Alaska.
AmaWaterways also includes quite a lot in your fare, even though it is not technically an all-inclusive cruise. Gratuities are not covered, and you will need to pay extra for alcoholic drinks outside of lunch, dinner, and designated cocktail hours. Still, you get complimentary Wi-Fi, access to snack stations with coffee, cookies, and soft drinks available around the clock, and most importantly, shore excursions are included.
In fact, you can choose from up to eight different excursions per day, each with varying levels of intensity. Want to go on a scenic hike? That is absolutely possible. Prefer a relaxed bike tour through the city? You can do that too. Maybe you would rather visit a vineyard or enjoy a local cultural performance? All of those options are available. These included excursions are a major highlight and a wonderful way to feel more connected to each destination.
Their ships are also quite impressive. While the fleet is extensive, the newer vessels offer everything you would expect from a modern river cruise. They are intimate in size, typically accommodating up to 150 guests, which means you can enjoy a calm and relaxed atmosphere throughout your journey. Most ships feature either a swimming pool or whirlpool, and the newer ones come equipped with massage rooms, hair salons, small fitness centers, and multiple dining venues. Staterooms are generously sized and offer more space compared to those on many other river cruise lines.
Prices can vary quite a bit, typically starting around $2,600 per guest and going up to $7,000 or more depending on the destination and itinerary. Once again, the team at Famvia is here to help. We can assist you in choosing the perfect itinerary and finding the best available deals to help you save. You focus on cruising the Seine, and we’ll focus on getting you the best price.
After reading all of this, you probably have a good sense of why AmaWaterways is considered one of the top river cruise lines out there. Their ships are modern and well-equipped with everything you could want for a comfortable journey. The food is consistently good, the service is outstanding, and the inclusion of shore excursions in your fare is a major advantage. Yes, it is truly hard to go wrong with AmaWaterways.
AmaWaterways Reviews
The Good
A trusted name in river cruising: AmaWaterways has built an outstanding reputation among travelers and industry experts alike. Browse Cruise Critic, Reddit, or any number of travel articles, and you will find countless guests recommending AmaWaterways for river cruises in Europe and Egypt. They consistently deliver on all fronts - beautifully designed ships, exceptional service, quality dining, and the added bonus of included excursions. If you are unsure which river cruise line to choose, you can feel confident picking AmaWaterways.
Included Excursions: One of the standout perks of sailing with AmaWaterways is that shore excursions are included in your cruise fare. In fact, you can choose from up to eight different options per day in each destination. Of course, you likely will not join all of them in a single day, but the variety is impressive. Each excursion is categorized by intensity level, making it easy to find something that suits your pace. Whether you are interested in culinary experiences, cultural performances, bike tours, or scenic hikes, there is truly something for everyone.
Standout service: This is one of the key reasons AmaWaterways is so highly regarded. The onboard staff is exceptionally warm, professional, and attentive, making you feel right at home from the moment you step on board. Whether you need assistance at the restaurant or simply have a question while walking around the ship, the crew is always ready to help with a genuine smile.
Exceptional dining: The food on AmaWaterways consistently receives glowing reviews, and for good reason. AmaWaterways is the only river cruise line that holds membership in the prestigious culinary organization La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. Had I heard of them before researching AmaWaterways? Not exactly. But they certainly sound fancy… and more importantly, they deliver. Guests can enjoy thoughtfully prepared dishes and unique menus that change daily for both lunch and dinner, offering variety and quality throughout the cruise.
Great modern ships: AmaWaterways has an impressive fleet, and their newest ships are both stylish and thoughtfully designed. These vessels feature amenities you rarely see on other river cruise lines, including swimming pools, whirlpools, compact fitness centers, oversized chess boards, pickleball courts, and even mini golf. Staterooms are generously sized, with spacious and comfortable bathrooms. When it comes to ship quality, AmaWaterways truly matches the excellence of the destinations they visit.
The Bad
Not everything is included: While your cruise fare covers many great perks, including shore excursions, gratuities are not included and must be paid separately. Alcoholic beverages are available only during meals such as lunch and dinner, as well as during designated daily cocktail hours. However, you do have access to snack bars stocked with cookies, sandwiches, soft drinks, and coffee throughout the day.
Not for children: As is common with most river cruise lines, AmaWaterways is not designed for families traveling with children. The majority of guests onboard are aged 50 and above, and there is little to no entertainment geared toward younger passengers. This cruise line is ideal for those seeking relaxation, groups of friends, and travelers eager to explore some of the world’s most beautiful rivers.
How Much is a Cruise on AmaWaterways?
Good question! The answer really depends. AmaWaterways offers over 200 itineraries, with prices typically starting around $2,000 per person for a Rhine River cruise. Let’s take a look at a few pricing examples, but honestly, the best way to find the right itinerary at the best price is to reach out to us. We will be happy to check current rates and help you find the perfect cruise.
- 7-Night Enchanting Rhine Cruise: $2,000
- 7-Night Legendary Danube Cruise: $3,000
- 7-Night Enticing Douro Cruise: $3,100
- 7- Night Paris & Normandy Cruise: $3,800
- 11-Night Secrets of Egypt & the Nile Cruise: $5,500
- 16-Night Golden Trails of Africa Land & Cruise Tour: $20,700
As you can see, prices vary quite a bit, with sailings available through 2027 and new destinations being added regularly.
What is included in your AmaWaterways fare?
AmaWaterways offers generous inclusions that enhance the value of your cruise. Your fare covers:
- Your stateroom
- Shore excursions
- Wi-Fi
- Breakfast, lunch and Dinner
- Alcoholic beverages during lunch, dinner, and cocktail hours
- Soft drinks, coffee, and snacks
- Fitness center
- Onboard entertainment, including small live performances, board games, and pools
What is NOT included in your AmaWaterways fare?
While many amenities are covered, a few items are not part of your cruise fare:
- Gratuities
- Laundry
- Alcoholic beverages outside of meal times and cocktail hours
- Services at the hair salon and spa treatments such as massages
AmaWaterways Fleet and Destinations
AmaWaterways boasts a fleet of nearly 30 ships. While most of them cruise through Europe, the line also features two ships dedicated to Egypt, two to South America, and one to Africa. Some ships are custom-designed for specific regions, such as Portugal and Vietnam.
Each vessel is crafted with luxury and tranquility at its core. The oldest ship in the fleet, AmaCello, dates back to 2008, while the newest additions launched in 2024 and 2025, with more set to debut in 2026. Every ship includes at least one whirlpool or heated pool, and most offer fitness centers, hair salons, massage suites, and a main dining room. The newest ships go a step further, featuring multiple dining venues, walking tracks, small sports courts, and even mini-golf.
AmaWaterways Destinations
AmaWaterWays focusses on:
- Europe (Danube, Rhine, Main & Moselle, Seine, Rhone & Saone, Dordogne & Garonne, Douro, Dutch & Belgium waterways, grand river cruises)
- Asia (Mekong)
- Africa (Chobe)
- Egypt (Nile)
- Colombia (Magdalena)
AmaWaterways also offers a variety of special themed sailings throughout the year, including holiday cruises, wine cruises, and Celebration of Music cruises, among others. Several itineraries seamlessly combine land and river experiences, particularly in Africa, where guests can enjoy traditional safaris paired with the comfort and elegance of a luxury river cruise.
Is AmaWaterways for you?
If you’ve ever considered taking a river cruise, the answer is likely yes, AmaWaterways is a fantastic choice. With years of experience and a growing fleet that now includes vessels designed for South America, they’ve established themselves as one of the top names in river cruising.
If cruising the Rhine or Seine has ever crossed your mind, AmaWaterways is an excellent option. They’re often compared to Viking Cruises, and for good reason. Both offer outstanding experiences, but AmaWaterways typically includes a bit more in the fare, such as complimentary shore excursions. Viking, on the other hand, tends to have slightly lower base prices. Either way, you’re in good hands with both.
AmaWaterways is especially popular among travelers aged 50 and up who are looking for a peaceful and refined onboard experience. It’s also a great choice for groups of friends, thanks to their newer ships offering plenty of connecting staterooms and private balconies. And if you're looking for a little extra flair on your river cruise, you'll appreciate their onboard amenities like heated pools or whirlpools, board games, giant chess sets on the sun deck, mini-golf, hair salons, and even small fitness centers.
As with most river cruises, AmaWaterways may not be the best fit for those seeking Broadway-style shows, a wide array of entertainment, or a family-friendly atmosphere with activities for children. There are no kids' clubs onboard, and the majority of guests tend to be couples or travelers simply looking to relax in a serene setting.
Activities onboard AmaWaterways
Onboard activities on river cruises are generally centered around letting guests relax - think small live performances, board games, and lounging on the sun deck - and that holds true for AmaWaterways as well... for the most part. In fact, AmaWaterways offers a touch more variety than many of its competitors. For example, every ship in the fleet features either a whirlpool or heated pool, and many of the newer vessels include both.
Here’s a look at what you can typically expect onboard:
- Small live shows and musical performances
- Whirlpools and/or heated pools
- Board games
- Mini golf
- Human-sized chess
- Library
- Fitness center
- Hair salon and massage services
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.
AmaWaterways Additional Info
Dress Code
AmaWaterways embraces what we like to call a “cruise casual” dress code. During the day, guests are welcome to dress comfortably - just avoid wearing swimwear in the main dining venues. In the evening, it’s best to elevate your look with something a bit more polished.
Here’s how AmaWaterways describes the dress code for their European itineraries: “While packing for your river cruise, your attire should strike a balance between comfort and sophistication. Casually elegant outfits and something a little dressier for the Captain’s Dinner, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs dinner or an evening concert are recommended.”
Gratuities
Gratuities are not included in your base cruise fare. You can view the recommended gratuity amounts by logging into your AmaWaterways guest profile or checking the official guidelines for your specific itinerary.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is included for free in your cruise fare.
Laundry
Laundry services are available onboard for an additional fee. Self-service laundry facilities are not offered.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the ship. It is only allowed in the designated area located at the aft section of the Sun Deck.
Carry-on Drink Policy
Guests are welcome to bring their own beverages onboard AmaWaterways. However, if you choose to enjoy your own alcohol in a public area or dining venue, a corkage fee of approximately €10 per bottle may apply.
AmaWaterways Loyalty Club
AmaWaterways’ loyalty program is known as the AmaWaterways Loyalty Benefits, and it’s a great way to enjoy extra perks as you continue sailing with them. The program features three tiers, and you can reach the highest level after just your fourth cruise:
- Blue - 2nd cruise
- Silver - 3rd cruise
- Gold - 4th cruise
Even at the Blue tier, guests receive $100 off per person on their next sailing. Higher tiers unlock additional benefits, including exclusive invitations to Loyalty Appreciation Cruises. You can explore the full list of rewards by visiting their official loyalty page.
Book your dream vacation with AmaWaterways!
Now that you know a lot about AmaWaterways… why not learn even more!? Yeah, our guides do not end here. We have guides about almost anything you can think of. How about the room options at AmaWaterways? Or the list of restaurants you can find there? We have those too. Wait, now you want to know about the specific pH levels of the swimming pools during June on a rainy night? We don't have that guide yet, but don't tempt us!
Feel free to message us anytime for the best deals, more information about room options, activities, or anything else you need. Until the next one!
