Ama means love. At AmaWaterways, they put love into everything they do – and that makes sense when the river cruise line is family-owned and operated. Co-Founders and Co-Owners Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst, and Jimmy Murphy – pioneers of modern luxury river cruising and recipients of numerous prestigious awards – instilled a hands-on approach into every aspect of the AmaWaterways experience. They consider their guests part of the family, and that philosophy permeates everything from the warmth of the crew to the thoughtfulness of every itinerary.

In contrast to hospitality run by large corporations, AmaWaterways imbues its onboard culture with charm, attention to detail, and a genuine sense of care inspired by its family philosophy. From the moment you step aboard, you’ll feel immediately at home.

AmaWaterways’ intimate, contemporary ships offer a refreshingly uncrowded experience. Accommodating an average of approximately 156 guests – fewer than many traditional river cruise ships – you’ll enjoy the luxury of personal space throughout your voyage. Take a dip in the sun-deck pool or whirlpool, participate in a wellness activity led by a dedicated Wellness Host, relax with a soothing massage, or simply watch the ever-changing scenery go by with a glass of wine in hand.

When it’s time to revitalize, their fitness center will get your blood flowing, and you’ll be luxuriously pampered in their onboard beauty salon and spa.

AmaWaterways’ award-winning fleet offers elegantly-appointed staterooms and suites with welcoming amenities designed for your comfort. Reserve one of their signature Twin-Balcony staterooms for the best way to take in the always-changing countryside – featuring both a French balcony and an outside balcony, so you can enjoy fresh air and panoramic views in multiple ways.

Every stateroom features expansive bathrooms lavished with marble countertops, high-quality bath and body products, and a hair dryer. Suites add the indulgence of both a shower and bathtub, along with larger sitting areas. Throughout the fleet, you’ll enjoy plush bedding, cotton bathrobes and slippers, a personal safe, and water replenished daily. Their Entertainment-On-Demand center is available in all staterooms and suites with complimentary high-speed internet access, movies, an extensive music library, and English-language TV stations.

It wouldn’t be “ama” without the love AmaWaterways infuses into their top-notch cuisine and beverages. As a member of the internationally recognized La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs – and with their Culinary Director a member of the prestigious French association Tables et Auberges de France – AmaWaterways prepares exquisite, regionally-inspired, locally-sourced cuisine at every meal.

All meals are included in your cruise fare at both the Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant, where a delicious multi-course tasting menu awaits, paired with local reds and whites from Europe’s renowned wine regions. On their largest ship, the AmaMagna, you’ll enjoy two additional dining venues – Al Fresco Restaurant and Jimmy’s Wine Bar & Restaurant.

Beer and hand-selected wine are always included with lunch and dinner, with new wine selections daily. There’s also sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast, menu service during lunch, and delicious tapas and snacks in the Main Lounge between meals. Gourmet coffee, tea, and bottled water are available around the clock. And the renowned “Sip and Sail Cocktail Hour,” which takes place one hour before dinner every evening, includes champagne, wine, beer, spirits, and their specialty cocktail of the day.

Part of the draw of traveling to new destinations is immersing yourself in authentic local culture – and AmaWaterways brings that culture both onboard and ashore. Evening entertainment includes musicians, folkloric dancers, and storytellers who live and work in the cities you sail to, with eclectic performances varying depending on where you cruise.

While on land, AmaWaterways offers guests myriad small-group excursions that immerse you in local culture with a variety of choices in every port – all included in your cruise fare. From walking tours suited for gentle, regular, and active guests to complimentary bicycling and hiking excursions for travelers who want to see a place from a fresh perspective, there’s something for all guests at every level of participation. Additionally, culinary-themed “Special Interest Tours” highlight regional specialties, cooking demonstrations, and tastings.

As AmaWaterways often docks just steps from the heart of the city, you may also explore many destinations on your own by foot or with one of AmaWaterways’ complimentary bikes.

AmaWaterways offers river cruises across multiple continents, each destination offering unique cultural experiences and stunning scenery. In Europe, their fleet sails the Danube, Rhine, Main, Moselle, Rhône, Saône, Seine, Douro, and the Dutch and Belgian waterways – gliding past medieval castles, vineyard-draped hillsides, and vibrant capital cities.

Beyond Europe, AmaWaterways takes you to truly extraordinary destinations: the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia, the Chobe River in Africa where wildlife roams freely along the banks, the Nile in Egypt with its ancient temples and timeless landscapes, and the Magdalena River in Colombia. Each waterway reveals a world that can only be experienced from the intimate vantage point of a river cruise.