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The Magic of River Cruises with AmaWaterways
Since its founding in 2002, AmaWaterways has established itself as one of the leading luxury cruise lines in the field of river cruises. With an impressive fleet of elegant ships, the company offers unforgettable journeys on the world's most beautiful rivers. From the picturesque waterways of Europe to the exotic river landscapes of Southeast Asia, AmaWaterways opens up unique destinations and cultures to its guests.
Top Deals from AmaWaterways & Co.
The charm of river cruises lies in their intimacy and the opportunity to deeply immerse in the regions visited. Unlike ocean cruises, the ships are smaller, the routes pass through the heart of countries and cultures, and guests can discover new places every day without constantly packing and unpacking. And don't worry about seasickness here, we promise!
AmaWaterways has perfected this concept, offering its guests a travel experience that seamlessly combines luxury, comfort, and authentic experiences. From exquisite cuisine to comfortable cabins and carefully crafted shore excursions, every aspect of an AmaWaterways cruise is designed to create unforgettable moments.
The History of AmaWaterways: From Vision to Reality
AmaWaterways was founded by Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst, and Jimmy Murphy. These three visionaries brought decades of experience in the travel industry and had a common goal: to redefine river cruises and create an experience that combines luxury, comfort, and authentic travel experiences.
The history of AmaWaterways is marked by innovation and a passion for travel:
- 2002: Company founded in Switzerland
- 2006: Launch of the first own ship, MS AmaDagio
- 2011: Introduction of "Twin Balconies" - an innovative cabin design with a French balcony and an outside balcony
- 2019: Launch of AmaMagna, the widest river cruise ship on the Danube
Today, AmaWaterways is a family-owned company known for its innovations and outstanding service. The cruise line has received numerous awards, including multiple "Best River Cruise Line" titles from Cruise Critic.
The company is also known for its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. AmaWaterways actively works to reduce its ecological footprint and supports local communities in the regions visited.
The AmaWaterways Fleet: Elegance on the Water
The river cruise ships of AmaWaterways are true jewels on the world's rivers. Each ship is designed with attention to detail and offers guests the highest level of comfort and luxury. Here is an extended overview of some of the most remarkable ships:
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AmaMagna: The flagship of the fleet, twice as wide as conventional river cruise ships
- Four restaurants
- Spacious wellness area with gym and spa
- Cinema and water sports platform
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AmaViola: Known for its family-friendly cabins
- Connecting cabins ideal for families or groups
- Heated swimming pool with swim-up bar
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AmaPrima: Award-winning ship with elegant design
- Spacious sun deck with chessboard and whirlpool
- Special wine refrigerator in each cabin
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AmaVida: Designed specifically for cruises on the Douro in Portugal
- Panorama lounge with bar area
- Cabins with balcony or French balcony
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AmaDara: Cruises on the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia
- Authentic Asian design
- Sauna and massage rooms
All AmaWaterways ships feature spacious cabins, most with balconies, luxurious amenities, and top-notch facilities. A special highlight is the sun deck, offering breathtaking views of the passing landscape.
The ships are also equipped with the latest technology to ensure the comfort and safety of guests. This includes:
- State-of-the-art navigation systems
- Environmentally friendly engines
- High-speed internet on board
- Individual air conditioning in each cabin
Culinary Highlights: Gourmet Delights on the River
The cuisine on board AmaWaterways ships is a central part of the travel experience. The cruise line places great emphasis on fresh, regional ingredients and offers a variety of dining options:
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The Chef's Table: An exclusive gourmet restaurant with an open kitchen
- Multi-course tasting menu
- Showcooking by the head chef
- Perfect wine pairing with each course
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Main Restaurant: Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with changing menus
- Rich breakfast buffet with egg and omelet station
- Light lunch options and multi-course dinner menus
- Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
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Al Fresco Dining: Opportunity to dine outdoors and enjoy the scenery
- Light meals and snacks
- Barbecue evenings in good weather
Additionally, AmaWaterways offers:
- Daily cocktail hour before dinner
- 24-hour coffee and tea stations
- Special wine tastings with local winemakers
The meals are prepared by experienced chefs and often reflect the culinary traditions of the regions visited. Wine lovers will particularly enjoy the large selection of local and international wines offered by AmaWaterways.
A special highlight is the "Chaîne des Rôtisseurs" dinner, which takes place once per cruise. AmaWaterways is the only river cruise line that is a member of this prestigious gastronomic society.
Activities and Entertainment: Never a Dull Moment
AmaWaterways offers a wealth of activities both on board and on land:
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Fitness room and wellness area for active guests
- Modern fitness equipment
- Yoga and aerobics classes
- Massages and beauty treatments (for an additional fee)
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Cultural lectures and cooking classes
- Lectures on the history and culture of the regions visited
- Interactive cooking classes with local specialties
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Evening entertainment in the Main Lounge
- Live music and dance evenings
- Local artists and folklore groups ...(about 107 lines omitted)...
- Replacement of single-use plastics with reusable or biodegradable alternatives
- Water dispensers on the ships for refilling reusable bottles
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Support for local communities in the regions visited
- Collaboration with local suppliers and service providers
- Support for educational projects in developing countries
Other sustainability initiatives include:
- Use of biodegradable cleaning agents
- Implementation of recycling programs on board
- Training for staff on environmental protection
These efforts have been recognized by the Green Award Foundation, which has awarded AmaWaterways for its commitment to sustainability. The cruise line continuously works to improve its practices and find new ways to operate more sustainably.
Comparison with Other Cruise Lines
While AmaWaterways positions itself as a luxury cruise line, there are of course other well-known providers in the field of river cruises. Compared to companies like Norwegian Cruise Line or Hapag Lloyd Cruises, which mainly specialize in ocean cruises, AmaWaterways focuses exclusively on river cruises.
This allows AmaWaterways to fully concentrate on the specifics of river travel and offer a tailored experience. Unlike larger cruise ships, the elegant river ships of AmaWaterways can also call at smaller ports, providing access to some of the most beautiful cities in Europe and beyond.
Some distinguishing features of AmaWaterways compared to other river cruise providers:
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Cabin size and amenities
- AmaWaterways offers some of the most spacious cabins in the industry
- Innovative "Twin Balcony" concepts on many ships
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Culinary offerings
- Multiple restaurants on each ship, including the exclusive "Chef's Table"
- Membership in the prestigious Chaîne des Rôtisseurs
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Activities and wellness
- Extensive wellness program with daily fitness classes
- Fleet of bicycles on board for guided and individual tours
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Shore excursions
- Multiple included excursion options at each port
- Focus on active and immersive experiences
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Sustainability
- Strong focus on environmentally friendly practices and support for local communities
While other cruise lines may have similar offerings in certain areas, AmaWaterways stands out through the combination of all these elements and the constant focus on innovation and quality.
Special Offers and Target Groups
AmaWaterways offers a variety of special cruises and deals tailored to different target groups:
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Wine Cruises: Perfect for wine lovers, with visits to renowned vineyards and tastings
- Led by wine experts and sommeliers
- Exclusive wine tastings at famous wineries
- Wine pairings with special menus on board
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Christmas Market Cruises: Experience the magic of European Christmas markets
- Visits to the most beautiful Christmas markets along the Danube and Rhine
- Festive decorations and activities on board
- Traditional Christmas dishes and drinks
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Themed Cruises: From golf cruises to cruises focused on art and culture
- Golf cruises with access to top golf courses
- Art cruises with visits to famous museums and galleries
- Music cruises with live performances and visits to historic music sites
AmaWaterways also has attractive offers for solo travelers. Some ships feature special single cabins, and there are regular promotions with reduced or no single supplement. Additionally, AmaWaterways offers:
- Social dining options for solo travelers
- Special activities to meet other guests
- Discounts for solo travelers on selected cruises
Families are also welcome at AmaWaterways. Some ships offer special family cabins, and there are cruises particularly suitable for traveling with the whole family:
- Connecting cabins for families
- Special family excursions and activities
- Children's menus in the restaurants
AmaWaterways has also partnered with companies like Adventures by Disney to offer special family-friendly cruises.
Booking and Prices: How to Plan Your AmaWaterways Cruise
AmaWaterways cruises can be booked through various channels:
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Directly through the official AmaWaterways website
- Easy online booking with detailed information on each cruise
- Option to speak directly with AmaWaterways experts
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Through travel agencies and online travel agents
- Many travel agencies have special expertise in river cruises
- Option to compare different offers
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Through special offers and promotions
- Regular early booking discounts
- Seasonal special offers
- Loyalty programs for repeat guests
The prices for AmaWaterways cruises vary depending on the destination, season, and cabin category. Although AmaWaterways is positioned in the luxury segment, there are often opportunities to book affordably, especially if you are flexible with travel dates or take advantage of last-minute offers.
Tips for booking affordably:
- Take advantage of early booking discounts: There are often significant discounts for bookings made well in advance
- Choose the shoulder season: Cruises in the shoulder season are often cheaper and less crowded
- Join the loyalty program: Repeat guests often receive exclusive offers and discounts
- Subscribe to the newsletter: Be the first to know about special offers and promotions
It is also worth comparing different cabin categories. Sometimes the price difference between a standard cabin and a higher category is smaller than expected, especially during special promotions.
Conclusion: Why AmaWaterways is in a Class of Its Own
AmaWaterways has established itself as one of the leading luxury cruise lines in the field of river cruises. With a combination of first-class service, luxurious ships, and carefully crafted routes, the company offers a travel experience of the highest order.
The AmaWaterways ships are more than just floating hotels - they are the perfect starting point to explore some of the most fascinating regions of the world. From the picturesque waterways of Europe to the exotic rivers of Southeast Asia, AmaWaterways opens up new perspectives and unforgettable experiences for its guests.
Some of the main reasons why AmaWaterways stands out from other providers:
- Innovative ship designs with spacious cabins and modern amenities
- Excellent cuisine with local specialties and top-quality wines
- Diverse shore excursions that offer something for every taste and activity level
- Strong focus on sustainability and responsible travel
- Personalized service with an excellent guest-to-staff ratio
- Unique themed cruises that cater to special interests
Whether you are a wine lover looking to explore the vineyards along the Moselle, a culture enthusiast wanting to discover the treasures of the Danube, or an adventurer seeking to experience the wilderness of Africa from the water - AmaWaterways has something for everyone.
With its commitment to sustainability, focus on culinary excellence, and relentless pursuit of innovation, AmaWaterways continually sets new standards in the world of river cruises. The company does not rest on its laurels but constantly seeks ways to improve and expand the travel experience for its guests.
Whether you are an experienced cruiser or considering a river journey for the first time - AmaWaterways offers an experience that will delight and inspire you. The combination of luxurious accommodation, exquisite cuisine, fascinating destinations, and attentive service creates memories that will last a lifetime.
So why not plan your next trip on one of AmaWaterways' elegant ships and experience for yourself what makes this exceptional cruise line so special? Immerse yourself in the world of river cruises and let the magic of the rivers enchant you. With AmaWaterways, you can expect not just a journey, but a truly unforgettable adventure.
