AMA Waterways Profile

A river cruise offers the convenience and luxury of an ocean cruise combined with the in-depth experience of a land tour, plus the personal freedom of a river cruise. Step aboard. Unpack once. Explore, and enjoy.

For many travelers, a journey along the river is just the right pace for getting the lay of the land. Sitting on the top deck of a ship under brilliant blue skies, you gaze on fabled landscapes dotted with castles, villages and vineyards. A flight of stairs down, and you have all the amenities of a modern hotel: restaurants, bars, lounges, fitness facilities, spas, internet access and comfortable staterooms.

Itineraries range from seven to thirty days in length. Book one year in advance, if possible, and consider cruising March through May or September through December, when the crowds are thinner and airfares may be more reasonably priced than during peak periods.

Some river cruises overnight in ports and cruise during the day; others cruise during the night and tie up in port during the day. Both approaches allow for dinners ashore and late-evening strolls into town.

Prepare to step ashore in fairy tale towns and fabled cities, immerse yourself in contemporary culture, and learn something about the history of the towns along the Continents greatest rivers.

Ships

AMAWaterways is the fastest-growing, U.S.-based river cruise line, with ships sailing in Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia.

Known for its innovative inclusive vacations and custom-designed vessels, the AMAWaterways fleet consists of the MS AmaLotus (2011); MS AmaKatarina (2011) MS AmaVerde (2011); MS AmaBella (2010) MS AmaDolce (2009), the MS AmaLyra (2009), the MS AmaCello (2008), the MS AmaDante (2008), the MS AmaLegro (2007) and the MS AmaDagio (2006).

Destinations

Travel along the famous rivers of Europe with a Rhine and Danube river cruise and discover fascinating history and authentic experiences with comprehensive sightseeing plus your own exploration. It's a simple way to travel and you're in the middle of the action, not seeing it from afar. Plus there's plenty of time to unwind.

Or enjoy a spectacular voyage through the heart of Russia along its colorful and historic waterways. Explore bustling and excitement-packed Moscow, then cruise north and visit the enchanting Golden Ring cities of Uglich, Kostroma and Yaroslavl. Continue along the Volga-Baltic Waterways and through Europe's two largest lakes, Onega and Ladoga to St. Petersburg, one of the world's most beautiful cities, spread over 101 islands and 66 canals.

Accommodations

Each stateroom and suite is furnished with quality that you would find at the best luxury and boutique hotels of the world. Luxurious appointments include: supremely comfortable beds draped in lavish linens and other modern conveniences such as flat-screen televisions with satellite, a vanity, generous built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual climate-control thermostat, direct-dial telephone, and bottled water in staterooms.

Dining

Start your day with a lavish gourmet champagne breakfast buffet. Choose from a rich assortment of breads, croissants and pastries, a variety of fresh fruit, yogurt, cereals, and smoked salmon. Sample the delicious cheeses, cold cuts and local sausages, as well as our daily regional specials. An array of traditional breakfast items is also available from the menu.

Return from your shore excursion to a delicious lunch. Start with mouth-watering hot or cold appetizers, homemade soups, then choose from a selection of great entrees, finish off with a delectable dessert and complimentary cappuccino.

In the evening, be our honored guest for an elegant dinner or a traditional theme night with a feast of regional specialties. Enjoy delicious cuisine and complimentary free-flowing wines from the local vintners. Our kitchen crew knows how to orchestrate a truly memorable dining experience.

Kids & Teens

AMA Waterways does not offer a dedicated Children's programs onboard their vessels.

Onboard Activities & Entertainment

Cruising from one destination to the next often takes place at night while passengers are sleeping, but sometimes the cruises will also sail during the day, giving passengers an opportunity to relax or enjoy the scenery. Also, depending on the itinerary, there could be local performers or musicians offering entertainment onboard the ship.

Past Guests

Beginning this season, all passengers cruising with AMAWaterways are automatically enrolled into a new AMAWaterways Privilege program.

AMAWaterways Privilege benefits commence with the second cruise. Blue Level benefits include a $100 per person discount on the cruise price plus a special AMAWaterways Privilege guest reception on board.

A third cruise entitles guests to Silver Level benefits, including all of the above Blue Level benefits plus a Dinner with a Senior Crew Member and a choice of welcome amenity. Silver Level members also receive Complimentary Airport Transfers plus a 50 percent discount on an upgrade to a higher stateroom category (excluding all suites).

Four or more cruises with AMAWaterways entitles the passenger to Gold Level benefits that include all prior level benefits with the exception of the 50 percent discount on an upgraded stateroom category. Instead of a discount on the stateroom upgrade, Gold Level members receive a complimentary stateroom category upgrade if available at the time of booking (excluding suites).