AmaWaterways River Cruises

The AmaLucia, a modern river cruise ship, navigates the Rhine River with forested hillsides and a castle visible in the background. The ship features contemporary white hull design with large panoramic windows and multiple passenger decks characteristic of European river cruising.
The AmaWaterways logo featuring a stylized gold crown above the company name in elegant gold lettering on a white background. This is the official branding for AmaWaterways, a luxury river cruise operator.

“Oceans take you to countries. Rivers take you through them.”

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 quality of the cuisine to the thoughtfulness of each itinerary.

For travelers who want to truly experience a destination rather than simply pass through it, AmaWaterways delivers something genuinely special. This is river cruising elevated to an art form – where thoughtful details and meaningful moments of discovery reflect a standard that far exceeds the ordinary.

Rivers are the arteries that feed the heart and soul of each destination they visit. AmaWaterways’ carefully crafted itineraries are the lifeblood that takes you there. Whether you want to see the animal-rich shores of Africa’s Chobe River, the opulent capital cities of Europe along the Danube, the legendary castles and towns of the Rhine, or the tranquil rural communities lining the banks of the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia, you’ll get insider access to places that only the river can offer. As your floating resort glides from one destination to the next, you unpack once and wake each morning in a new place – no airports, no long bus transfers, just seamless immersion into the landscapes and cultures that make each waterway unique.

The AmaSerena, a modern river cruise ship, sails through calm blue waters with passengers visible on the upper deck. The vessel features a distinctive white hull with large panoramic windows, multiple decks, and flags displayed from the mast, set against a backdrop of forested hills and clear blue sky.
The AmaVenita, a modern river cruise ship, navigates through a wide European river with lush green banks and industrial facilities visible in the distance. The elegant vessel features multiple passenger decks with distinctive blue and white livery, characteristic of contemporary river cruise design.
A modern river cruise ship navigates the turquoise waters of the Danube River, passing through a picturesque Alpine valley with terraced vineyards on steep hillsides and a charming riverside village with traditional architecture nestled against forested mountains under clear blue skies.
The AmaAmora, a modern river cruise ship, navigates the Rhine River with lush forested hills and a castle visible in the background. The elegant white vessel features contemporary design with large panoramic windows and multiple passenger decks, exemplifying modern river cruising comfort.

A Floating Luxury Resort – Intimate Ships, Inspired Journeys

AmaWaterways operates a fleet of award-winning river cruise ships across Europe, Africa, and Asia. Most European vessels carry approximately 150 to 196 guests – small enough that the experience feels genuinely personal, yet spacious enough to offer an impressive range of amenities. Think of it less as a cruise ship and more as a floating luxury resort that happens to glide past medieval castles, terraced vineyards, and centuries-old villages while you sip a regional wine on your private balcony.

Most staterooms feature AmaWaterways’ signature twin-balcony design – a French balcony paired with a full step-out balcony in the same room, flooding the space with natural light and river views. Onboard, you’ll find multiple dining venues, a sun deck pool, a fitness room, a fleet of bicycles for independent exploring, and an atmosphere that feels warm and welcoming rather than stuffy. The crew-to-guest ratio ensures attentive, personalized service without ever feeling intrusive.

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Culinary Excellence, Active Discovery & Wellness at Every Turn

Dining aboard AmaWaterways is a genuine highlight. The Main Restaurant serves multi-course meals that change daily, drawing inspiration from the regions you’re passing through. The Chef’s Table specializes in tasting menus with wine pairings curated to match each dish. And for lighter fare or a relaxed breakfast with panoramic views, The Chef’s Al Fresco Restaurant on the sun deck delivers an experience that feels less like ship dining and more like a terrace cafe overlooking the river.

All cuisine is prepared by chefs affiliated with the prestigious La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs culinary society, and ingredients are locally sourced whenever possible. Unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner – a level of generosity that sets AmaWaterways apart. Beyond dining, the active wellness program is equally impressive. Through their pioneering Backroads partnership, you can join guided hikes and bike rides in port, borrow from the fleet of onboard bicycles for independent exploration, or unwind in the pool, fitness room, and spa. It’s a balance of indulgence and vitality that few river cruise lines achieve this naturally.

Or call (352) 432-8131 to speak with a dedicated advisor.

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What’s Included In Your Cruise Package?

Your extraordinary cruise adventure comes with many included amenities from the cruise line. In addition, Extraordinary Adventures offers our clients extra complimentary benefits as well as popular upgrades to create a seamless door-to-door experience – all the more reason to select Extraordinary Adventures as your cruise travel partner!

Included in Every AmaWaterways Cruise

  • Regionally inspired cuisine prepared by La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs-affiliated chefs
  • Unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • Complimentary guided excursions in every port
  • Fleet of onboard bicycles for independent exploring
  • Wellness activities including fitness room, pool, and guided hikes
  • Onboard entertainment and enrichment programming
  • Wi-Fi access throughout the ship

Your Extraordinary Adventures Cruise Also Includes

  • Expert guidance choosing your itinerary, ship, and stateroom
  • Recommendations on shore excursions
  • Advice on cruise and travel policies and procedures
  • Emergency assistance while on your trip
  • Recommendations on travel insurance

Add Extraordinary Adventures White Glove Service to Receive

  • We arrange car service and transfers
  • We book flights*
  • We reserve hotel stays
  • We coordinate pre-cruise and post-cruise travel planning

$250 Planning Fee per stateroom. Complimentary for guests who book this cruise line. White Glove Service is normally a premium, paid service – offered here as a special promotional benefit exclusively for AmaWaterways bookings. *Terms and conditions apply.

Frequently Asked Questions About AmaWaterways Cruises

AmaWaterways stands apart because it’s family-owned by three industry pioneers – Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst, and Jimmy Murphy – who remain actively involved in every detail. That personal investment shows up in ways big and small, from stateroom design and culinary standards to the warmth of the crew. The inclusion of complimentary excursions in every port, three distinct dining venues, a fleet of onboard bicycles, and the innovative Backroads wellness partnership all reflect a cruise line that genuinely cares about the guest experience. You’ll notice the difference the moment you step aboard, and it’s why so many guests return year after year.

AmaWaterways operates a growing fleet of award-winning river cruise ships across Europe, Africa, and Asia. European vessels typically carry between 150 and 196 guests. They sail the Danube, Rhine, Main, Moselle, Seine, Rhone, Douro, and Dutch and Belgian waterways in Europe. Beyond Europe, they offer voyages on the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia, as well as the Chobe River in Africa. Each itinerary is designed to immerse you in the culture, cuisine, and landscapes of the region.

AmaWaterways fares are genuinely inclusive, covering accommodations, dining across multiple venues, unlimited wine and beer with meals, guided excursions in every port, onboard bicycles, Wi-Fi, wellness amenities, and entertainment. See the full list in the “What’s Included” section above. Gratuities are not included but are customary.

Staterooms range from cozy cabins to expansive suites, with most categories offering the signature twin-balcony configuration – a French balcony plus a full step-out balcony in the same room. Every room is designed to feel more like a boutique hotel than a ship cabin, with luxury bedding, marble-appointed bathrooms, and thoughtful touches throughout. Our advisors can walk you through the differences between categories and help you choose the best fit for your preferences and budget.

Absolutely. AmaWaterways offers pre- and post-cruise land packages in many destinations, allowing you to extend your journey with guided stays in iconic cities like Paris, Prague, Budapest, and Amsterdam. Our advisors at Extraordinary Adventures can also coordinate custom land extensions, hotel stays, transfers, and flights through our White Glove Service – creating a seamless door-to-door travel experience tailored specifically to you.

AmaWaterways offers three distinct dining venues, each with a different character. The Main Restaurant rotates regionally inspired menus daily, The Chef’s Table pairs tasting menus with curated wines, and The Chef’s Al Fresco Restaurant on the sun deck is perfect for lighter meals with a view. Ingredients are locally sourced whenever possible, and dietary preferences are accommodated with advance notice. All cuisine is prepared by chefs affiliated with the prestigious La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs culinary society.

AmaWaterways was the first river cruise line to embrace active wellness travel. Through their Backroads partnership, you can join guided hikes and bike rides in port, while onboard amenities like the pool, fitness room, and spa let you maintain your routine between excursions. It’s ideal for travelers who want to stay active without sacrificing relaxation.

AmaWaterways is an excellent choice for first-time cruisers, especially those drawn to immersive cultural experiences and destination-focused travel. River cruising eliminates many of the concerns people associate with ocean cruising – there’s no open water, no seasickness to worry about, and the intimate ship size means you never feel lost in a crowd. The inclusive pricing, personal service, and complimentary excursions in every port make it an accessible and rewarding introduction to cruising.

AmaWaterways maintains a relaxed, resort-casual atmosphere. During the day, comfortable casual attire is appropriate. Evenings are smart casual – think smart separates, a collared shirt, or an elegant top paired with dress pants or a skirt. There are no formal nights, though the Captain’s Welcome and Farewell dinners give some guests the occasion to dress up a bit more. The overall tone is elegant yet unpretentious.

We recommend booking 6 to 12 months in advance, especially for popular sailings like Christmas Markets along the Danube, tulip season in the Netherlands, or wine-themed voyages along the Rhine and Douro. AmaWaterways’ intimate ship sizes mean capacity is naturally limited – once a sailing fills, it fills. Your Extraordinary Adventures advisor can help you secure preferred stateroom categories and take advantage of early booking promotions before they expire.

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What Our Clients Say

Real clients. Real experiences. Never ordinary – always extraordinary.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“These two definitely know their ships, and if they don’t, they know where to find answers. We had never booked with an agent before, but after our first experience with Extraordinary Adventures, we were so pleased that we quickly booked our second cruise shortly after. Their response times are rapid, and their suggestions are immeasurable.”

Sabrina & Marty S

Verified Client · Google Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Scott and Laura were very helpful and professional from the first minute. The information I got saved me money and time. Wonderful, friendly, personal, and quick service. Response within minutes to all my questions. Thank you for the great work.”

Richard & Pascal F

Verified Client

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“I gave them a budget, what I wanted, and potential dates. They did the rest! Gave me checklists for what to pack, suggestions of things to do, and the best plans for the biggest bang for our buck. They even checked on us when we returned to be sure we had an enjoyable experience.”

Kristy & Anthony R

Verified Client · Google Review

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“We have tried different venues to purchase cruises and definitely prefer working with Scott and Laura. They have always put our best interest at the forefront. They are professional and easy to contact and take the worry out of our travel plans.”

Michael & Virginia D

Verified Client · YouTube Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Scott and Laura are super knowledgeable and incredibly fast to respond to questions. They helped make our last cruise worry- and stress-free. I have referred two of my friends who used their services and were very happy. They will go out of their way to help. Super friendly!”

Darla C

Verified Client

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Laura and Scott are great people to help assist with any vacation needs. I found them to be very attentive to my wants and needs. They have been very informative, provided great suggestions to help make the most of my vacation, and they are very upfront and honest. I will definitely use Extraordinary Adventures again.”

Joshua & Rachel W

Verified Client · Google Review

Discover Europe’s Great Rivers with a Specialist Who Knows Every Bend

River cruising is one of the most intimate and rewarding ways to explore the world — gliding past medieval castles, vineyard-draped hillsides, and vibrant city centres at a relaxed pace. Our river cruise specialists will help you choose the right line, ship, and itinerary to match your sense of adventure and style of travel.