Amawaterways
AmaWaterways is a premium river cruise operator renowned for combining refined comfort with immersive, destination-focused journeys. Founded by pioneering river cruise figures Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst, and Jimmy Murphy, the line is known for its warm hospitality, thoughtful design, and a strong emphasis on cultural enrichment, wellness, and exceptional dining.
With a boutique feel and a reputation for consistency and quality, AmaWaterways appeals to travellers who value inclusions, elegant surroundings, and a relaxed yet enriching pace of travel.
Fleet Overview
AmaWaterways operates a modern fleet of 33 custom-built river ships, sailing primarily in Europe, with additional vessels in Asia, Africa, and South America.
Ship Style & Design
Purpose-built river ships with French balconies or twin balconies in most staterooms
Contemporary interiors with warm, neutral tones
Public spaces designed for comfort rather than crowds
Key Ship Categories
Standard Ama ships (e.g. AmaViola, AmaLucia, AmaKristina):
Intimate, elegant vessels carrying around 150 guests, with multiple dining venues, sun decks, and wellness spaces.AmaMagna (Danube):
A standout vessel — wider than traditional river ships, offering spacious suites, multiple restaurants, and enhanced onboard amenities.
Signature Spaces
Main dining restaurant with open seating
Chef’s Table speciality dining
Sun Deck with walking track and heated pool
Wellness Studio and massage rooms
Suitability
Particularly well-suited to mature travellers, solo cruisers, couples, and culture-focused guests
Not designed for families with young children
Destinations
AmaWaterways focuses on immersive river cruising, with itineraries designed to showcase the heart of each region.
Core Regions
Europe: Danube, Rhine, Main, Moselle, Seine, Rhône, Douro
Asia: Mekong River (Vietnam & Cambodia)
Africa: Nile River (Egypt)
South America: Magdalena River (Colombia)
Itinerary Style
Centrally located port calls — often docking right in town
Longer stays and overnight ports where possible
Included excursions at multiple activity levels (gentle walking, regular walking, active options)
Journeys are unhurried and well-paced, allowing guests to experience destinations without the pressure of constant movement.
Whats Included
AmaWaterways is known for offering one of the most inclusive river cruise experiences.
Typically included:
All meals onboard, including speciality dining
Unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour
Daily guided shore excursions
Gratuities for onboard staff and guides
Wi-Fi
Wellness activities (yoga, fitness classes)
Cultural enrichment and onboard talks
This transparent pricing appeals to travellers who value clarity and ease.
Dining
AmaWaterways places strong emphasis on food, with menus inspired by the regions sailed. Dishes are freshly prepared, elegantly presented, and flexible for dietary needs. Open seating dining encourages a relaxed, social atmosphere without obligation.
Wellness & Relaxation
Ama was one of the first river cruise lines to introduce a wellness-focused approach, including:
Onboard Wellness Host
Fitness classes and stretching sessions
Sun Deck walking tracks
Massage services
Entertainment & Enrichment
Evenings are low-key and refined, featuring:
Local musicians and cultural performances
Destination talks and history presentations
Wine tastings and culinary demonstrations
Atmosphere & Ship Style
Calm, elegant, and quietly sociable. There is a sense of ease onboard — guests naturally connect without structured social pressure.
Life Onboard
Who's it for?
AmaWaterways is particularly well-suited to:
Solo travellers seeking comfort and confidence
Couples who enjoy culture, food, and scenery
Friends travelling together
Mature travellers
First-time river cruisers
Travellers who value inclusions and gentle pacing
It is less suited to families or those seeking nightlife or high-energy entertainment.
Solo Traveller Insight
AmaWaterways is a popular choice for solo river cruisers thanks to:
A naturally social yet relaxed onboard environment
Flexible dining and shared excursions
Occasional reduced or waived solo supplements
Smaller ship size, creating a strong sense of safety and familiarity
While dedicated solo cabins are limited, many itineraries offer excellent value for independent travellers.
The Ships
Each cruise line’s fleet offers a variety of ships, each with its own character, design, and onboard experience. Explore the ships below to discover which best suits your travel style and preferences.
