AmaWaterways’ executives often point out that “Ama” means “love,” and the brand prides itself on creating a warm and welcoming environment accordingly on its river cruise ships.
Besides providing a loving welcome to its guests, the line’s other hallmarks include award-winning dining, innovative ship design, creative wellness programs and a variety of included daily excursions with a focus on guided hiking and biking tours that has attracted travelers looking for a more active river cruise experience.
An Upscale River Experience
AmaWaterways’ 28 vessels take their guests along the rivers of Africa, Asia, Europe and, soon, South America.
In 2024, AmaWaterways will launch three new river cruise ships. AmaLilia will sail the Nile River in Egypt, while AmaMagdalena and AmaMelodia will traverse Colombia’s Magdalena River, marking the line’s first itinerary in South America and the river cruise industry’s first vessel on that particular river. Both Magdalena vessels will come with the line’s signature twin balcony accommodations, sporting both a French balcony and an outside balcony.
“Colombia is a convenient destination and extremely popular among younger and very active travelers,” said Kristin Karst, co-founder and executive vice president of AmaWaterways. “We are already seeing how our river cruises on the Magdalena River are attracting guests from North America but also from Latin America.”
A Range of Itineraries
In addition to the new, and one-of-a-kind, itineraries in Colombia, AmaWaterways sets itself apart by offering a number of themed cruises that cater to travelers’ different interests.
One such new itinerary for 2023 is its “Celebration of Classical Music,” exploring the rich history of the musical genre on the Danube River, where many legendary composers resided, worked and performed. The seven-night sailing runs between Budapest, Hungary, and Vienna, and featured along the way are several live classical performances in locations such as Melk, Austria. Seven departures are scheduled in 2023 and six more in 2024.
Guests often rave about the entertainment onboard AmaWaterways.
Credit: 2023 AmaWaterways“Colors of Provence - Latin Touch” is another seven-night route navigating France’s Rhone River from Lyon to Avignon, but this one is hosted by a bilingual (English and Spanish) cruise manager and caters exclusively to the Spanish-speaking market. The itinerary includes daily guided tours, cruise programs and dining menus all in Spanish, as well as two nights of Latin-inspired music. The Latin Touch voyage is scheduled for Oct. 26, 2023.
Also cultural in nature is “A Soulful Epicurean Experience,” a celebration of the African and Black diaspora on the rivers. Distinct to these sailings is a focus on Black history and culture, as well as special guided tours highlighting jazz, food and wine. Scheduled during the “Colors of Provence” and “Secrets of Egypt & The Nile” cruises are departures on Aug. 24, 2023, and May 17, June 13 and June 17, 2024.
AmaWaterways is also known for the line’s “Celebration of Wine” and “Christmas Markets” cruises.
Celebration of Wine cruises are hosted by wine experts, which adds a bonus layer of wine culture immersion in regions such as Austria’s Wachau Valley, France’s Bordeaux region and Portugal’s Douro Valley. Over 60 such sailings are featured annually.
The Christmas Markets sailings run on the Rhine, Danube and Rhone rivers from the third week of November until the end of December, showcasing holiday feasts, festive decor, onboard entertainment and, of course, visits to Christmas markets in cities such as Vienna; Nuremberg, Germany; and Strasbourg, France. Fresh for 2023 is an extension of the “Enticing Douro” cruise season to encompass Portugal’s take on the holidays through December.
AmaWaterways is known for its strong support of travel advisors, and agents in turn are big fans of the brand. With its innovative itineraries and upscale river cruise ships, AmaWaterways can please even the most discerning client.
