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Writer's pictureWilliam Robison
Jan 254 min read

AmaWaterways (Detailed)

Updated: Feb 7

AmaWaterways, a family-owned business founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst, and Jimmy Murphy, has swiftly become a prominent figure in the river cruise industry. Starting with a shared vision of creating a river cruise experience that exceeded all expectations, AmaWaterways has grown into a leading player in the field. With a focus on providing unparalleled river cruise journeys, the company operates a fleet of modern and luxurious river vessels. AmaWaterways is acclaimed for its dedication to innovation, offering travelers a blend of elegance, comfort, and immersive cultural exploration. The cruise line prides itself on its commitment to excellence, providing guests with a wealth of all-inclusive amenities, including carefully curated shore excursions, delectable dining options, and a selection of fine beverages. AmaWaterways stands as a testament to the evolution and success of river cruising, continually pushing boundaries to offer an exceptional and enriching travel experience along the scenic waterways of Europe and beyond.


Fleet:  Operates 23 River Cruise Ships in Europe, 1 in Asia, 1 in Africa, 1 in Egypt and 2 soon to sail in Latin America


Ownership:  AmaWaterways is family owned, from three seasoned veterans of the industry, Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst, and Jimmy Murphy.


Rivers Sailing:  As of 2024, AmaWaterways sails 23 Europe boats, 2 Asia boats sailing the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia, 1ship in Africa, 2 ships in Egypt on the Nile and introducing to ships to the Magdalena River in Colombia, South America later in 2024.

AmaMagdalena (rendition) Sailing Colombia, South America


Theme Cruises: AmaWaterways offer several themed river cruises, including:

  • Wine Enthusiasts Cruises

  • Golf Cruises

  • Christmas Market Cruises


Traveler Styles: Rather than “Traveler Styles”, AmaWaterways offers a variety of excursions in each port.  Many of these offerings are active, with some hiking and biking options available when appropriate for the port.  Each port offers up to 6 different options of excursions, ranging within three different “Activity Levels”.


Family Cruises:  AmaWaterways no longer offers children specific programs as they once did with partners such as Adventures By Disney. River Cruise travel is still welcome for children, recommended for ages 8 & up.



 

Wellness:  AmaWaterways commonly offer wellness programming throughout the cruise, including a fitness room.  Most often, depending upon itinerary, there is a Wellness Director aboard offering numerous activities throughout each day.


Bicycles:  Available on all river cruise ships (not e-bike).  Many excursions offer Bicycling tours as a part of their program.


Gratuities:  Not-Included.  Each cruise will have a recommendation given near the end of the cruise.  Traditionally the cruise director is suggested as a separate amount from the rest of the staff. An example, for a 7-Night Europe Cruise:

  • Ship’s Crew Recommendation: 100 Euros per 7-night cruise, per guest. (AmaMagna 120 Euros per 7-night cruise, per guest)

  • Cruise Manager: Your Cruise Manager is not part of the ship’s crew and is the AmaWaterways representative who also accompanies you on any pre- and/or post-cruise hotel/land extensions you may have booked. Recommendation: 25 Euros per 7-night, per guest; 4 Euros for each additional day, per guest for pre- and post-cruise hotel/land extensions


Solo Supplement:  Variable, but often approximately 50% supplement.  Many Category 1 cabins waive the single supplement.

Solo Cabin


Special Ship: Most ships in any river cruise fleet in Europe is 36 feet wide, and 443 feet long. AmaWaterways also sails the AmaMagna only on the Upper Danube, measuring 72 feet wide. This allows more common space, the inclusion of two more restaurant choices and more.

AmaMagna


WiFi:  Included


Electricity: Electricity on board all ships is 220v, with 2-pin power outlets. You will need an adapter, and/or converter depending on which electrical appliances you bring with you.


Alcoholic Beverages:  Beer and wine are complimentary with lunch and dinner.  There is also a complimentary hour each day called the Sip N Sail offering cocktails complimentary for this hour.


Travel Protection:  As with most cruise lines, AmaWaterways partners with a 3rd party provider for Travel Protection options.  AmaWaterways is partnered with AIG, a global carrier.  Plan costs are estimated at 13% of the travel costs.


Embarkation & Disembarkation: Official embarkation time is 3 p.m. for all ships. This allows the staff to prepare your stateroom and have the ship ready for the next departure. If you arrive earlier, you may check your luggage on board, and then explore the embarkation port city. Please refer to your travel documents for specific instructions on where to embark and your official embarkation time. Official disembarkation time is 9 a.m. You may disembark earlier if the ship is moored in the location you are disembarking in. If you have purchased transfers with AmaWaterways, please refer to your documents for disembarkation instructions. In some situations, you may disembark your stateroom, but stay in the common space for a period of time, based upon Captain or Cruise Director instructions.


Dress Code:

  • Europe Specific: Comfortable, layered clothing adaptable to changing weather conditions is always advisable for daytime excursions. For the evening, “Casually elegant” attire is recommended and you may want to pack something a little dressier for the Captain’s night/Farewell Dinner – similar to how one would dress to dine at a 5-star restaurant. Comfortable shoes are recommended for excursions and workout clothing if you plan to take part in any wellness activities, active tours or use the onboard gym. Depending on the time of year, clothing that can be layered is highly recommended.


Mobility Concerns: River cruise ships are not ADA compliant and most river cruise destinations are also not ADA compliant.

River cruises have the perfect blend of cruising and ports. River cruising is all about taking in the sights along the river and exploring fascinating cities and villages while in port. It is not uncommon to visit more than one port a day on a river cruise with cruising the river and its ambiance midday.





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