River Cruise Magic with AmaWaterways: My Tulip Time Journey to Remember!
AmaWaterways is family-owned and operated for over 20 years with 29 custom-designed ships sailing Europe’s major rivers and waterways. They also have ships in Southeast Asia Mekong River, Africa’s Chobe River, the Nile River in Egypt, and the Magdalena River in Colombia.
They are renowned for their warm and welcoming crew, sustainable ship design, included excursions, wellness activities and three different activity levels.
All-inclusive value, included in AmaWaterway’s fares are:
This all-inclusive approach eliminates the frustration of hidden fees and allows passengers to relax and enjoy their journey fully.
They offer excursions tailored to three different activity levels, so there’s something for everyone—whether you prefer a relaxed pace, a standard tour, or a more active adventure.
AmaWaterways truly excels at what they do—delivering exceptional service, immersive cultural experiences, and a welcoming onboard atmosphere that keeps guests coming back time and again.
The River Cruise Details:
Pre-Departure and Check-in process:
The Online Cruise Check-in is to be completed as early as 60 days prior to departure.
Following checking in online, the Shore excursions can be booked via the myAmaCruise App as soon as possible to guarantee the preferred choices.
Guests will receive their Pre-Departure Documents by email approximately 30 days prior to departure date.
On-board Check-in is done in a smooth and professional manner. The safety briefing is completed in person in the main lounge area early evening by the Cruise team staff.
What is it like onboard:
THE SHIP:
The AmaCerto river ship has a maximum of up to 162 passengers and 81 staterooms.
The elegant design on the exterior allows the AmaCerto to manoeuvre the smaller Dutch and Belgium waterways, which also flows through to the interior with beautiful yet effortless design.
I especially loved relaxing in the lounge area sipping a coffee in the mornings whilst watching the beautiful landscape outside.
THE FOOD:
For a smaller river ship compared to an ocean cruise, the food options on AmaCerto were outstanding.
The Main Restaurant is a beautiful dining room where every table enjoys a view of the outside scenery. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in this space.
Also, the Main Lounge offers a more casual option for breakfast and lunch in a relaxed setting. I really enjoyed having lunch here, especially on days where there were both a morning & afternoon sightseeing tour.
The Chief’s Table is a beautiful experience where we enjoyed a meal of up to 7 courses with our new friends. Each course was exquisitely presented with a detailed description by the table service team.
The selection of food in the Main Restaurant was amazing. There was a large variety of fresh and healthy options including salads and poke bowls, vegetarian, as well as the regular selections. One of my favourites was the teriyaki salmon poke bowl. And there was a chocolate fountain table display when we were sailing through Belgium, and another evening it was all about the Cheese table!
THE DRINKS:
AmaWaterways include alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks during lunch and dinner service and the bar is open during the day to purchase outside of these times.
However, the crowd winner is definitely the sip & sail happy hour! Each afternoon after a day of sightseeing everyone would come together in the lounge and enjoy a beverage. There was a great selection of cocktails and mocktails, beer and wines.
The wines offered during dinner were all of high quality and paired well with the menu.
Don’t forget the water! Our stateroom was restocked with glass bottled water daily, the lounge had fruit infused glass water dispensers, and before we departed on a shore excursion, we were offered individual boxed water which fit nicely in my small bag. It was nice to see no plastic!
THE RELAXATION:
The sun deck is a beautiful space to watch the scenery go by from the sun lounges or the heated pool, featuring a swim-up bar with underwater bar stools.
The elegant indoor main lounge also included a library section with fireplace, and a baby grand piano and bar. This is where the tea, coffee & water stations are located, to make a cuppa and relax by a large window with the sun coming in.
THE FITNESS:
AmaWaterways have a permanent onboard fitness instructor who offers fitness classes such as stretching, yoga, resistance bands etc and this is included in the price.
The walking track on the sun deck is a great way to stay fit whilst watching charming villages pass by. There’s also a well-equipped fitness room.
AmaWaterways have their own fleet of bicycles on board, guests have the opportunity to explore on a guided bike tour or on their own…however I’d suggest doing the guided tour. As I was in The Netherlands, I had to do a bike tour to try and fit in with the locals, it was wonderful riding the bike through the countryside and quaint villages.
THE ENTERNAINMENT:
Each evening there was entertainment in the main lounge area where AmaWaterways would invite local musicians to do a live performance. These were amazing and high quality. On other nights there was dancing and singing by guests.
On the second last night we enjoyed the Captain’s evening so we all got a little more dressed up and it was great to liaise directly with the Captain during the sip & sail and dinner.
THE CABIN:
We stayed in a fixed window porthole stateroom which at first glance is cozy however it had great storage and a good size bathroom and shower, and ample storage space. The bed was comfy and the room was warm (it was March). It also included a full length mirror and bathrobes.
As a travel agent I was lucky to view the other stateroom categories on the two levels above the porthole rooms. The Suites have two balconies, a French balcony and an outside balcony. And the standard staterooms have one French balcony.
THE SERVICE:
The onboard service was outstanding and truly delivered on personalised service.
As there’s only up to 162 passengers on board, we got to speak directly to the Cruise tour manager and director. We would see them numerous times everyday and Jessie the cruise manager was absolutely amazing! She ensured that all our sightseeing tours ran smoothly.
On the first evening we were introduced to the Captain, first & second officers, and the main crew onboard. The Captain said they have an open-door policy therefore guests are welcome to visit the wheelhouse during the day when they aren’t going through a lock or docking.
Sightseeing:
AmaWaterways include shore excursions in each port day. These are pre-booked by the passengers before departure, however these can be easily changed in the myAmaCruise app up to 24 hours prior or just by speaking with the Cruise Tour Manager on-board.
They employ local qualified tour guides and quality coach transportation for the sightseeing, and I loved hearing directly from the local guides all about the area and culture. Most of our guides were born in the area and were so passionate about sharing with us.
With the guided walking tours there are three levels of activity to choose from. Gentle = slower walk. Regular = standard walking pace. Active = faster walking pace.
Also with the guided bicycling tours, each tour description has detailed what activity level it will be, and how many kms ride the journey will take.
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Is a River Cruise right for You?
If you are thinking about doing a river cruise and wondering if it’s right for you, please reach out as I’ve love to chat with you about your unique travel wish list.
Call: 0491 689 870
Email: [email protected]
Happy Travels!!!
