Introduction
Do you dream of waking up to the sight of Europe’s most stunning landscapes passing by your window? Imagine sipping a glass of the finest local wine as you glide through historic waterways, all from the comfort of your floating hotel. If this sounds like your perfect vacation, this blog article, AMA Cruise Reviews is just what you need.
AMA Waterways, founded by Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst, and Jimmy Murphy, is renowned for providing an innovative product in river cruising, offering passengers an intimate, luxurious experience on small ships. Let’s dive into the details of what makes an AMA river cruise a standout choice for many travelers.
The Cruise Director and Cruise Manager
A big part of your river cruise experience is shaped by the cruise director and cruise manager. These individuals are more than just administrators; they're your go-to experts, your entertainers, and your guides throughout your journey. With a friendly smile and an infectious enthusiasm, they work tirelessly to ensure you have a wonderful time. Their dedication, knowledge, and warmth are often mentioned in AMA cruise reviews, setting the tone for an unforgettable vacation.
River Cruise Lines and Itineraries
AMA Waterways river cruise offers a variety of itineraries on the great waterways of Europe, allowing you to explore different regions depending on your interests. The Rhine River cruise, for example, meanders through vineyard-clad hills, dotted with medieval castles. This cruise often includes wine tastings at local vineyards, enhancing your appreciation of the region’s wine culture.
If it's your first river cruise, one of AMA's most popular itineraries, "The Romantic Danube," might be the perfect fit. This route provides an impressive blend of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery.
Accommodations and Amenities
AMA cruise ships are designed with your comfort in mind. Most cabins offer a French balcony, providing stunning views of the passing landscapes. The main dining room offers fine dining with a regional twist, and the chefs go the extra mile to cater to any dietary needs. For fitness enthusiasts, the walking track on the top deck and complimentary bicycles for onshore exploration ensure your exercise routine is never compromised.
When you want to unwind, the sun deck on river cruise ships is the perfect spot. It offers lounge chairs, a whirlpool, and a bar — ideal for savoring a cocktail while basking in the stunning panorama.
Gift Shop and Additional Services
The on-board gift shop is a treasure trove of unique souvenirs, local crafts, and travel essentials. It’s a delightful place to browse during your free time. The attentive staff is always ready to assist, adding to the joy of your shopping experience.
Inclusive River Cruise Vacations
One of the aspects that travelers love most about AMA is that their river cruises are highly inclusive. From guided walking tours to wine tastings, and from onboard entertainment to gourmet meals, a myriad of services are included in the package. This approach allows you to relax and enjoy your vacation without worrying about extra costs.
Ocean Cruises vs. River Cruises
While ocean cruises have their charm, river cruising offers a more intimate and immersive experience. The smaller size of river cruise ships allows them to dock in the heart of cities, giving you direct access to local culture and history. Additionally, the calm waterways make for a smoother ride, a plus for those prone to seasickness.
AMA's Wine Cruises
Wine enthusiasts will be thrilled with AMA’s wine cruises. These specialized journeys feature visits to local vineyards, wine tastings, and lectures by wine experts. Imagine sailing through the beautiful regions of Bordeaux or Douro while deepening your understanding of wine - it's a truly immersive experience.
The Best Time for an AMA River Cruise
The best time for an AMA river cruise depends on your personal preferences. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and smaller crowds, while summer provides long, sunny days ideal for exploring. Winter cruises, particularly those around Christmas, offer an entirely different charm with festive markets and snow-dusted landscapes.
Working with a Travel Agent
Booking an AMA river cruise through a travel agent can ensure a smooth planning process. They can help you choose the right itinerary, assist with any special requests, and handle all the logistics, allowing you to anticipate your journey stress-free.
A Commitment To Excellence
Rudi Schreiner, the President of AMA Waterways, and Executive Vice President Kristin Karst, have a shared passion for travel, which is evident in the cruises they design. Their goal is to provide passengers with a river cruise experience that exceeds all expectations, and they achieve this by focusing on the details - from the design of the cabins to the choice of local guides.
Their dedication to innovation is evident in the introduction of features such as the twin balcony (a French balcony combined with an outside balcony) and wellness programs. They are also committed to sustainability, with measures like installing solar panels on the sun deck of their ships.
The AMA Advantage
AMA Waterways prides itself on offering a river cruise experience that feels personalized and immersive. The small ship sizes not only create a friendly, intimate atmosphere but also allow for unique docking opportunities in the heart of each destination. You'll never miss a moment of exploration due to docking far away from the city center. Plus, you'll have the chance to join a walking tour that delves into the local culture, history, and cuisine.
Moreover, the company's innovative approach extends to their ship design, with features like the first-ever twin-balcony staterooms, providing enhanced views and outdoor experiences for guests. The ships also boast a range of amenities to enrich your onboard experience, from fitness rooms and spas to libraries and lounges.
Cuisine and Dining
AMA Waterways takes dining seriously. From the main dining room to The Chef's Table specialty restaurant, every meal is an event. The cuisine is inspired by the regions you visit, allowing you to taste your way through Europe while cruising its great waterways. The culinary team uses locally-sourced ingredients, and each dish is expertly paired with the perfect wine. This commitment to fine dining is one of the reasons AMA consistently receives outstanding cruise reviews.
Engaging Excursions
AMA cruises are not just about enjoying the onboard experience. They're also about immersing you in the destinations visited. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or adventure, there’s an excursion designed to suit your interests. With the help of expert local guides, you can explore the cobblestone streets of charming towns, visit historic monuments, or participate in unique experiences like truffle hunting or wine tasting.
The AMA Community
One of the many advantages of choosing AMA Waterways for your river cruise is the sense of community it cultivates. Many passengers mention in their reviews the friendships they formed during their journey. It's easy to get to know your fellow passengers on a small ship, and you'll find many opportunities for socializing, from shared meals and excursions to onboard entertainment and activities.
The Fleet
AmaMagna
Launched in 2019, AmaMagna is truly a standout ship in the AMA fleet. Nearly twice the width of traditional European river ships, she offers more personal space and a wealth of amenities. Featuring a choice of four unique dining venues, five bars, a large wellness area, and a sun deck with a pool, AmaMagna provides a luxurious river cruise experience. The ship also offers a majority of suites with full balconies and even some with outdoor bathtubs.
AmaCerto
AmaCerto is a stunning vessel that features the most advanced design of any river cruise ship. With her exclusive Twin Balconies, she offers a whole new dimension in luxury cruising. The beautifully-decorated and spacious accommodations range in size up to 350 sq. ft., perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring. The ship features a heated pool, fitness center, and a wide array of dining options, including The Chef's Table specialty restaurant.
AmaKristina
Named after AMA Waterways' co-owner, Kristin Karst, the AmaKristina provides a welcoming environment designed to make you feel at home. The ship is tastefully decorated with plenty of comfortable seating and panoramic windows to enjoy the passing scenery. Amenities include a heated pool, fitness room, and a variety of dining options. Staterooms feature the innovative twin balconies, spacious bathrooms, and plenty of modern amenities to enhance your stay.
AmaLea and AmaViola
Sister ships AmaLea and AmaViola are designed to bring the beauty of the outside inside. Twin-balcony staterooms and suites give you a new perspective of the scenery, while the multiple dining venues, heated pool, and fitness center ensure your comfort onboard. Each ship features a large number of connecting staterooms, making them an excellent choice for families or groups traveling together.
AmaMora
Launched in 2019, the AmaMora is an inviting ship with plenty of space for guests to unwind. Whether enjoying a refreshment on one of the ship's sundecks or taking a dip in the heated pool, guests can enjoy the fresh river air anytime they wish. The ship also features a fitness room, massage and hair salon, complimentary bikes, and multiple dining venues.
AmaDante
Offering a range of stateroom sizes, AmaDante is a flexible choice for different types of travelers. The ship's amenities include a fitness room, massage and hair salon, and a variety of dining options, including The Chef's Table restaurant. The majority of staterooms feature French balconies, allowing you to enjoy the passing scenery in comfort.
AmaDouro
Launched in 2019, AmaDouro is specifically designed to navigate Portugal's Douro River. Named after the Douro Valley, this ship mirrors the beauty of the destination with its decor. AmaDouro features AMA Waterways' signature open-air balconies in most staterooms, a Panoramic Lounge for nightly entertainment, a sun deck pool, and a fitness room.
AmaLucia
The AmaLucia, launched in 2021, provides a serene and intimate setting for an unforgettable river cruise experience. Passengers can unwind in spacious staterooms with twin balconies, take a dip in the heated pool on the sun deck, or exercise in the fitness room. The ship also offers a variety of dining options, with regionally-inspired cuisine served in the Main Restaurant and The Chef's Table.
AmaSiena
AmaSiena, sister ship to AmaLea and AmaKristina, was launched in 2020. Like its siblings, AmaSiena offers a variety of staterooms with twin balconies, a heated pool with a swim-up bar, and a wellness program with a professionally trained Wellness Host. Onboard dining options include the main dining room and The Chef's Table restaurant, where passengers can watch as the chef prepares a special multi-course meal.
AmaVerde
The elegant AmaVerde offers a range of staterooms, many with twin balconies, a feature that maximizes your views of the passing scenery. Whether you're enjoying a quiet moment in the comfortable lounge, taking a dip in the heated pool, or participating in a group class led by the Wellness Host, AmaVerde provides a home-away-from-home experience during your river cruise.
AmaBella
AmaBella offers the luxury of space, with a variety of staterooms and suites to choose from, many featuring twin balconies. Onboard amenities include a heated pool, fitness center, and a range of dining options. The ship's inviting lounge provides panoramic views and nightly entertainment.
AmaVenita
AmaVenita, a sister ship to AmaBella, offers a similar range of amenities and staterooms. The ship's multiple dining venues, heated pool, fitness center, and spacious lounge ensure a comfortable and enjoyable river cruise experience.
Each AMA Waterways ship is designed to provide a unique and personalized river cruise experience. You'll find that every detail, from the stateroom configurations to the onboard amenities, has been thoughtfully planned to enhance your journey through the great waterways of Europe.
Conclusion
AMA Waterways offers an unrivaled river cruising experience. With a focus on luxury, inclusivity, and innovative designs, they've crafted a product that truly stands out in the market. You'll not only enjoy the comfort of your floating hotel but also the rich, immersive experiences each destination provides. It's no wonder that so many travelers, whether they're on their first river cruise or their tenth, have a wonderful time on AMA cruises. So, when you're ready to explore the great waterways of Europe, AMA Waterways is ready to welcome you aboard.
Judith Eve, loves to write riveting articles on crusingtonpost.com. She hails from the sun-kissed regions of South Florida, residing within a stone’s throw of the bustling Fort Lauderdale and Miami cruise ports. As a native Floridian, Judith’s love for the ocean and cruising extends as far back as her memory can recall.
Her lifelong passion for travel has taken her to countless destinations around the globe, but cruising, undeniably, holds a special place in her heart. Judith has embraced the elegance of luxury liners, relished the intimacy of boutique ships, and marveled at the innovation found on the newest megaships. This varied experience makes her a well-rounded and knowledgeable commentator on everything cruise-related.
Balancing her writing career and family life with effortless grace, Judith is happily married, mother to two wonderful children, and a doting grandmother to three grandkids. Much like Judith, her family shares her enthusiasm for the sea, often accompanying her on cruise adventures and enriching her articles with their unique perspectives.
Her work for crusingtonpost.com provides readers with insightful, engaging narratives of her travels, from vivid descriptions of the picturesque locales she visits to in-depth reviews of the cruise lines she travels with. Her writing is not only an exploration of travel and cruising; it is a testament to her zest for life, her commitment to family, and her love for the ocean.
Endearing herself to readers with her warm, personable writing style, Judith has become a trusted voice in the cruising community. She is the go-to source for tips, advice, and comprehensive information on cruising. As a tireless explorer and devoted family woman, Judith Eve embodies the essence of the adventurous spirit, inspiring readers to set sail and create their own sea stories.
