Have you ever wondered what it is like to be on a river cruise? We have created this guide to introduce you to the joys of river cruising with AmaWaterways, where each day brings unforgettable moments on board and ashore. 

The Art of River Travel  

One can imagine a river cruise ship as a luxury hotel that moves with you during your travels through Europe, Asia, Africa or South America. While you unpack just once, you wake up in the heart of a different city or breathtaking landscape every day. Compared to ocean cruises, the river's water is calmer and more peaceful, while always being close to the riverbanks, offering ever-changing views of charming towns and historic landmarks. Being on a cruise with AmaWaterways is one of the most effortless and enriching ways of exploring the world.  

Choosing the Right Cruise 

With many beautiful rivers and diverse itineraries to choose from, selecting the right AmaWaterways cruise depends on your travel style and interest.  

• For first timers, the Danube and Rhine rivers are popular starting points. They offer a mix of vineyards, old towns, castles and vivid cities such as Vienna, Budapest, Amsterdam and Basel.  

• For wine and food lovers, we recommend trying a Bordeaux or Douro River cruise for vineyard visits, tasting and regional cuisine.  

• For history and culture, the Seine River in France or the Main and Moselle in Germany offer deep dives into medieval towns, history and art.  

• For adventurous cruisers, you can consider exploring the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia, the Chobe River in Africa or the Magdalena River in Colombia. Each destination offers a unique and unforgettable experience, blending local culture, history and stunning landscapes.  

With AmaWaterways, you not only have the luxury of choosing from a wide range of destinations all over the world, you also have the opportunity to customize how many days you wish to travel. Our river cruises range from 7 to 14 nights. We also offer themed cruises, including seasonal Holiday Cruises (with some departures showcasing magical Christmas Markets in Europe), Celebration of Wine River Cruises, sailings with Smithsonian Journeys Experts, additional specialty cruises for beer lovers and more.  

Embarkation: What to Expect  

Your AmaWaterways river cruise begins with a seamless and welcoming embarkation experience. We recommend reserving one of our optional pre-cruise land packages, making it easier to adjust to the time zone, meet fellow guests ahead of your cruise and ensure a smooth check-in process.  

Boarding usually begins in the early afternoon around 3:00 p.m. as our crew is busy cleaning the ship and preparing your stateroom; however, if you arrive early, please feel free to stop by and drop off your luggage, then go off and explore the town! If you return to the ship before 3:00 p.m. and your stateroom is not ready, our crew will be delighted to accommodate you in the Main Lounge, offering you small bites and drinks. Once your room is ready, you will be given your key card and will find your luggage waiting for you inside.  

Value of an AmaWaterways River Cruise  

Each day brings new opportunities to explore. During your stay with us you can choose from a wide range of included daily excursions, with your choice from up to eight guided tours each day! Whether you prefer excursions such as walking tours, biking through the countryside or wine tasting, these are all included and tailored to your activity level and interests.  

On board you may enjoy hosted wellness activities throughout the day, all meals including a special multi-course dinner at The Chef’s Table and relaxing moments during the daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour. Wine, beer and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner, and unlimited high-quality Wi-Fi is also included on board.  

Taste of Local Culture  

River cruising with AmaWaterways is all about local immersion. Guests enjoy cultural experiences from folk performances on board to artisan and market visits to exclusive experiences such as our year-round Oktoberfest celebration on the Danube River and Carnaval experience on the Magdalena River. Our farm-to-table approach to dining brings the highest quality seasonal ingredients from local farms and orchards directly to our onboard kitchens, where chefs prepare both Western and local specialties paired with locally sourced wines. Continuing the destination immersion on board allows guests to truly experience the local culture, helping them build deeper connections to the destination and create lasting memories.  

Disembarkation and Extensions 

As your journey comes to an end, AmaWaterways ensures a stress-free and organized disembarkation process. Your Cruise Manager will provide clear instructions, including transfer details and timings for departure. If you have reserved airport transfers or a post-cruise land package through AmaWaterways, you will be guided through each step. The land packages include a wonderful stay at a 4- or 5-star hotel and guided city tours.  

Ready to reserve your river cruise? Contact your preferred travel advisor or call us at 1.800.626.0126. If you have any additional questions, please visit our FAQs page.