- Number of tours
- 125
- Age Range
- 12-90
- Number of reviews
- 28
- Response rate
- 100%
- Response time
- within 3 days
AmaWaterways Reviews (28)
Write a review- AS
Andrew
Essence of Burgundy & Provence 2024
Written on June 7th, 2024Every aspect was great, especially our cruise director and the food. - FC
Frances
Enticing Douro 2024
Written on May 13th, 2024Major change in itinerary due to high water. High water is not unexpected but there was no plan B for an entire day. Replaced a tour with an ice cream party. - CT
Anonymous
Written on November 22nd, 2023I've been on three Amawaterways ship and the cruise experience has not failed me a bit. Am recommending it to more friends. - JN
Jean-Pierre
Colors of Provence 2023 Start Lyon, End Arles
Written on July 11th, 2023This was a wonderful tour on the AmaKristina. The food, shoreside tours, crew- everything- was superlative. The ship was sparkling clean and cabins were clea…Read more - MB
Anonymous
Golden Trails of Africa 2022
Written on November 17th, 2022One of my best trips ever!!! - WK
Warren
Written on September 8th, 2022Really enjoyed the cruise. The food was exceptional, the excursions fun and enlightening and the entire crew was exceptional, fun, and professional. Bully for …Read more - S
Anonymous
Written on January 11th, 2022I am rating this as Good. All went well on the trip - not as many markets open as some closed before we got there or were not open that day we were there. The…Read more 
Cynthia
Magical Christmas Markets 2021 (from Nuremberg to Vienna)
Written on December 17th, 2021We did not make the trip. I am waiting for the email that you are supposed to send for us to use next year.Clemens
Written on September 3rd, 2021It was the first cruise again on Amaverde after the long Covid break and it was a fantastic experience. The newly renovated ship and the itinerary were amazing …Read more- JK
Jeff
Written on February 8th, 2020Great river cruise for a seasoned traveler. Well paced. Lots to see staff is friendly and responsive. Cruise director is a dynamo. Get to see locals living life…Read more
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Health and Safety Protocols
Updated: July 14, 2020 at 4:00 PM PST
The world has changed; however, our commitment to the health and safety of our guests and crew remains of the utmost importance to us. We want to reassure you that we are working with global health authorities and local governments in the U.S. and around the world to follow all the most up-to-date health and safety protocols, some of which we have summarized for you below.Our experienced staff and crew have undergone special training and will be advised and guided by a Public Health Officer. As always, our crew will be on hand to take care of all the details so you can relax and enjoy your much-anticipated river cruise vacation.
Please note: As new information becomes available, the Health and Safety Protocols below will be updated. Further details will be provided in your Digital Travel Documents prior to departure.
For Our Guests
Whether you are a loyal past guest or are considering river cruising with us for the first time, we thank you for entrusting AmaWaterways with your future river cruise plans. Here are some of the measures we are taking to protect our guests on board and ashore:
Pre-Cruise
Prior to boarding, an online health and contact screening questionnaire will be required.
Embarkation
At embarkation, guests’ temperatures will be taken with no-contact infrared thermometers. If, for any reason, further testing is required, shoreside medical treatment centers are within close proximity.
Your luggage handles will be sanitized before delivery to your stateroom.
On Board
Protocols continue to change; however, at this time, guests are required to wear face coverings when moving through public spaces.
We will have ample hand sanitizers available throughout the ship and their frequent use is required by all guests and crew.
Our crew has implemented enhanced cleaning and disinfecting measures throughout the ship. You will likely notice our crew cleaning public areas more frequently. Special attention will be paid to areas like staircases, public washrooms, armrests in the lounge and guardrails. We use hospital-grade disinfectants for continual surface cleaning in public areas. Additional deep cleaning will take place throughout the entire ship between each sailing. Your designated stateroom steward will clean your stateroom twice daily.
We use state-of-the-art fan coiled air conditioning units; there is no recirculating of air on board our ships. The air is always fresh and clean as all staterooms and public areas are equipped with state-of-the-art individual fan coiled air conditioning units. Each stateroom has its own sophisticated heating/cooling system – a fan coil unit located in the ceiling inside the stateroom above the entry area. The main public areas – lounge and restaurants – have their own high-quality air-fog system to continuously ensure clean air. On our European ships, there are no air conditioning systems blowing cold air that would circulate throughout the entire ship as you would find in standard air conditioning units.
There will be limitations to the number of guests allowed to sail with us. You will have plenty of space to roam as we will limit the number of guests on board depending on the most up-to-date guidelines in effect at the time of sailing. For 2020 sailings, the current regulations for river cruise ships are set at a maximum capacity of 100 guests. We anticipate that many departures will have even fewer guests on board.
Safety and social distancing will be enhanced throughout our dining room. Our dining room setups and attentive service will be compliant with social distancing guidelines and current food and beverage safety recommendations. Our crew will serve you at your table and will be happy to offer you a similar choice of menu items formerly available at our buffets. A limited room service menu will also be available during mealtimes.
You will still get plenty of fresh air and exercise as our bicycles, fitness mats and equipment will be thoroughly sanitized after each use. Use of the Fitness Room is by appointment with cleaning time between use. Throughout Europe and Asia, we provide a variety of onboard wellness activities led by professionally trained Wellness Hosts. Whenever weather permits, these small-group classes will be held on our spacious open-air Sun Decks.
Non-essential visitors are not permitted on board. Historically, we have allowed a limited number of visitors on board, such as travel advisors learning more about our ships or guests on other river cruise ships wanting to sail with us in the future. For the safety of our guests and crew, non-essential visitors will no longer be allowed on board.
Exploring Ashore
Your personal portable Quietvox commentary systems will allow you to hear guides while social distancing. AmaWaterways provides a complimentary personal Quietvox commentary system for every guest to use throughout your journey. Powered by a sustainable rechargeable battery within your own stateroom, your portable Quietvox system allows you to hear your guide during excursions while permitting comfortable social distancing. A brand-new set of headphones that plugs into the Quietvox will be provided to you at the beginning of your sailing; you may also bring and use your own personal set of plug-in headphones.
Shore excursions will be conducted in small groups. Guests must use hand sanitizers when getting on and off our coaches that are thoroughly cleaned each morning.
In the event that ships are docked side by side, guests will be required to pass over Sun Decks. AmaWaterways’ ships are occasionally required to dock side by side with other river cruise ships while in certain ports, which requires guests from one ship to enter the other to go ashore. In these cases, guests from other ships will be required to pass over the open-air Sun Deck rather than through the interior of your ship. Our exterior handrails will also be sanitized on a high-frequency basis.
For Our Crew - Pre-Cruise
Pre-boarding medical test and isolation periods, in-depth health and safety training, face coverings and social distancing are required.
Crew must have certified medical clearance certificate plus undergo pre-boarding COVID-19 testing and are kept in an isolation period prior to embarking.
For Our Crew - On Board
All our crew have participated in in-depth training on enhanced operating protocols led by our experienced corporate Designated Hygiene Officer in consultation with international and national health authorities. Each ship has their own Public Health Officer overseeing all aspects of health and sanitation for guests and crew.
Health will be monitored for potential symptoms as well as through twice daily temperature checks.
Crew will be required to wear face coverings during working hours and continue to respect social distancing in their living quarters.
AmaWaterways Ships
Questions & Answers
Is it possible to smoke onboard?
Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside any of the AmaWaterways ships. Smoking is only permitted on the Aft of the Sun Deck. For the safety and comfort of all passengers on board, your cooperation in observing the no-smoking policy is greatly appreciated.
I have a dietary restriction can you accommodate that?
At the time of booking please advise your cruise specialist if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies so AmaWaterways can do their best to accommodate your request. Please note, though they can provide options to accommodate food allergies and sensitivities, they cannot guarantee there will not be any cross-contamination.
Do you accept traveller's cheques onboard?
AmaWaterways does not accept traveller's cheques onboard however you can settle your account onboard with a credit card or cash.
Can we reserve a table at the restaurant?
All ships have an open seating policy in the main restaurant to ensure you have the opportunity to meet your fellow travellers. Reservations for the speciality tasting menu at The Chef's Table Restaurant can be made once you are on board the ship. The Chef's Table Restaurant is available on all AmaWaterways ships in Europe and the Mekong River. It is not available in Portugal or Africa.
What's the dress code?
Comfortable “Country Club Casual” is the recommended attire for daytime, and to pack something a little dressier for the Captain’s night/Farewell Dinner – similar to how one would dress to dine at a 5-star restaurant. Comfortable shoes are recommended for excursions and workout clothing if you plan to take part in any wellness activities, active tours or use the onboard gym. Depending on the time of year, clothing that can be layered is highly recommended. Vietnam & Cambodia: It is always advisable to travel light in Southeast Asia. For the hot and humid weather, lightweight easy-care clothing that includes some long-sleeved items for protection from mosquitoes and sun, raingear, and comfortable walking shoes that you won’t mind getting wet or muddy. We also recommend you pack a few smart casual items to wear at the Welcome and Farewell dinners. Africa: When travelling through Africa, it is always advisable to travel light as some itineraries baggage size and weight are strictly limited. On Safari: casual, easy-care clothing that includes some long-sleeved items for protection from mosquitoes and sun. Attire during Winter (April - September): it is wise to bring some warm clothes for chilly early morning and late night temperatures. Dressing in layers is also recommended, as temperatures rise quickly during the day. Dining in Town: If you plan on dining at a fine restaurant in a city such as Cape Town or Johannesburg, “smart casual” is the norm – no ties for men or evening dresses for women are necessary.
Is there internet available on board?
Europe: High-speed Internet service is available free of charge as part of the in-stateroom "Entertainment-On-Demand." Additionally, AmaWaterways offers complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship. Vietnam and Cambodia: Free Internet and Wi-Fi in the lounge with computer stations. Africa: Due to environmental preservation there is no internet connection aboard the Zambezi Queen.
Are AmaWaterway ships wheelchair accessible?
Europe: Wheelchair accessibility is very limited on the European ships. There is an elevator between the two main decks, however, it does not reach the Sun deck or Piano deck. The passenger would be able to move around the dining room and lounge in their chair, however, the rooms are not able to accommodate a wheelchair, so while in their stateroom they would need to be able to move around on their own. Their chair would also need to be stored in their stateroom, due to limited storage on board. Getting on and off the ship, could pose a challenge as the planks are narrow and cannot accommodate a wheelchair or scooter's width. The passenger would have to be able to get on and off the ship without their wheelchair and the wheelchair would have to be light enough to be lifted off and on the ramps. It is common to tie up to other river ships in port and when this happens we would sometimes need to travel through another ship to disembark, with many ships requiring it to be done via Sun deck, which is stair access only. During the excursions, a good majority of the cities visited have the cobblestone walkways and this may be a challenge to manoeuvre with a wheelchair. The motor coaches Amawaterways use as a main means of transport will require the passengers to be able to do stairs as there are usually 4 or 5 steep steps to get on and off the coach. Vietnam, Cambodia & Africa: These itineraries require a person to be able-bodied. There are many unpaved roads and the ships do not have elevators to accommodate the passenger.
What's the minimum age to travel with AmaWaterways?
The AmaWaterways programs in Europe & Southeast Asia, children under the age of 4 years old are not permitted onboard and children 4-7 years old are not recommended due to the limited facilities for them. On their Africa program, due to safety precautions, there is a minimum age limit of 12 years old, unless otherwise agreed upon by AmaWaterways. All guests under the age of 18 are to be in a stateroom with an adult, and must remain supervised at all times, as their safety is the responsibility of the accompanying adult(s). Children between the ages of 4 – 10 at the time of embarkation may share a stateroom with 2 adults provided the child is able to share the bed with the adults – no additional bed will be provided. Select ships offer a limited number of staterooms with a fold out sofa for a triple occupant, we would be happy to guide you through these options when available. A triple occupancy rate will apply for the child sharing the stateroom, pricing can be provided upon request. Please be aware that balcony staterooms of any kind may be unsafe for small children if left unsupervised. AmaWaterways does not provide child-specific programs or child-minding facilities. Please reach out to your cruise specialist if you have any further questions regarding AmaWaterways child policy.
Is there a pool on board?
Europe: All ships are equipped with a whirlpool or heated swimming pool, perfect for a refreshing dip. Saunas are available on select ships. Africa: The Sun Deck has a small environmentally-friendly pool for your enjoyment.This pool is filled with filtered water from the Chobe River and is drained and refilled each day. No harmful chemicals are ever added to the water in order to protect the wildlife living in and along the river. Vietnam & Cambodia: There is a refreshing pool located on the Sun Deck. Please note there is no attendant on duty and use of these facilities is solely at your own risk.
Are audio sets provided for the shore excursions?
During shore excursions in Europe, Vietnam & Cambodia, you will be provided with a sophisticated audio headset system that allows you to comfortably listen to your tour guide while taking photos or admiring some of Europe's hidden gems.
What beverages are included on board?
Europe: Coffee, tea and specialty coffees, such as espresso and café latte are available free of charge throughout the day and during meals. Complimentary bottled water is replenished daily. During lunch and dinner, local wines soft drinks and beer are available on a complimentary basis. Also, enjoy the daily "Sip and Sail" cocktail hour. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are available at additional cost. Vietnam & Cambodia: Complimentary soft drinks, juices, house brand spirits, local beers, filtered coffee and tea are available during the cruise. Free flowing wine with every lunch and dinner on board. Imported wine and premium alcoholic beverages are available to purchase at an additional cost. Complimentary bottled water is replenished daily. Africa: Complimentary wine and beer is served with all lunch and dinners on board. Coffee and tea are available free of charge throughout the day and during meals from the bar. Premium alcoholic beverages as well as drinks outside of meal times are available at the bar for additional cost. Complimentary bottled water is replenished daily.
What type of cuisine is available on board?
Europe: All meals are skillfully prepared by European chefs and consist of Continental cuisine made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible. Breakfast is buffet-style with selections available from the menu as well. Lunch is also buffet-style with salads, soups and a selection of hot buffet items, hot entrees and desserts. Dinner is a multi-course meal with a choice of delicious entrees, including a vegetarian option. Vietnam & Cambodia: All meals are prepared by local chefs and consist of Western cuisine as well as Vietnamese and Cambodian cuisine. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style. Dinner is a multi-course meal with a selection of entrées. Africa: All meals are prepared by local chefs and consist of Western cuisine as well as local cuisine. The mornings offer a full English breakfast and the afternoons offer a lavish gourmet lunch buffet. Dinner is a multi-course meal with a selection of entrées. Certain meals will be served on land.
Are all meals included?
All meals on board the ships are included in the cruise price. Meals are served in the dining room in a single seating. For dinner, passengers will be seated by a dining room host.
Are bicycles available?
Europe: Each ship has a limited number of bicycles and helmets available for use when the ship is docked and can be signed out for independent use. Most sailings will also offer a choice of bicycle lead excursions with a tour guide and these can be reserved once you are on board. AmaWaterwayds do not have bicycles available on their ships in Portugal. Please note the use of the bicycles is at your own risk. Therefore, without limitation, AmaWaterways and all of its affiliates are not responsible for any injuries sustained during their use.
Is there laundry service on board?
Laundry services are available on board for a fee and a price list will be available in your stateroom. Please note that clothes cannot be dry cleaned on board.
Is there a Fitness Center on board?
All of the ships in Europe and the Mekong River have a fitness room with a selection of exercise equipment. Hours of operation vary according to the ship and please note there is no attendant on duty and therefore, without limitation, AmaWaterways and its affiliates are not responsible for any injuries sustained during the use of the fitness room.
Do I need to bring a converter or an adaptor?
Electricity on board all ships is 220v, with 2-pin power outlets. You will need an adapter or converter depending on which electrical appliances you choose to bring with you.
Is there air conditioning available in the staterooms?
All the staterooms on the ships in Europe, Africa, Vietnam and Cambodia are equipped with individual climate controls.
What are the gratuities guidelines?
Gratuities to your Cruise Manager and ship crew are not included in the cruise price. While the amount of these gratuities will depend upon your degree of satisfaction for services received, many guests have asked AmaWaterways for general tipping guidelines. Here are their recommendations: Europe: For great service, we recommend 3 Euros per passenger, per day for the Cruise Manager and 12 Euros per passenger, per day for the crew, which will be divided up among the ship's personnel. It is also customary to acknowledge a particularly good performance of a local guide by leaving a tip of 1-2 Euros per tour and Bus Drivers 1 Euro. Gratuities on most vessels, but not all, may be charged on credit card as well as cash. Vietnam & Cambodia: Pre and Post Cruise: National Guide US $2 per person per day. Local Guides, US $1 per person per half-day tour, US $2 per person per full day tour. Bus Drivers, US $.50 per person for half-day tour, US $2 per person for full day tour. Cruise: Cruise Director, US $2 per person per day. Ship's Crew, US $10 per person per day. Cruise Guide in Cambodia, US $2-3 per person per day (covers all shore excursions in Cambodia). Cruise Guide in Vietnam, US $2-3 per person per day (covers all shore excursions in Vietnam.) Africa: Gratuities are not included in the vacation price. The suggested tipping policy on board is between $65-80 per cabin for the 4-night cruise. Of course, all tips are at the traveller's personal discretion.
What time is Disembarkation?
Europe: Official disembarkation time is 9 a.m. You may disembark earlier if the ship is moored in the location you are disembarking in, and you may disembark later providing you have vacated your stateroom and checked out before 9 a.m. If you have purchased transfers with AmaWaterways, please refer to your documents for disembarkation instructions. Vietnam & Cambodia: For Disembarkations Scheduled for Tonle Sap Lake (Direction Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap), disembarkation is 8:45 a.m and you will be transferred to Sofitel Angkor hotel in Siem Reap. During low water season, you will disembark the ship at Preak Kdam, a small village on the Tonle River and arrive at the Sofitel Siem Reap at 1:30 p.m. For Disembarkations Scheduled for Ho Chi Minh City (Direction Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City), disembarkation time is 8:30 a.m. at My Tho Port and you will be transferred to Sofitel Plaza Saigon in Ho Chi Minh City.
What time is Embarkation?
Europe: Official embarkation time is 3 p.m. for all ships. This allows the staff to prepare your stateroom and have the ship ready for the next departure. If you arrive earlier, you may check your luggage on board, and then explore the embarkation port city. Please refer to your travel documents for specific instructions on where to embark and your official embarkation time. Vietnam & Cambodia: On Cruise Embarkation Day, passengers will proceed to the AmaDara via a transfer from one of the hotels listed below: For embarkations scheduled for Tonle Sap Lake: Register at the AmaDara Check-In Desk located in the lobby of the Sofitel Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap, at 11:00 a.m. Passengers will then be transferred to the ship. Low Water Season: Your registration at Lobby of Sofitel Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap, will take place at 7:30 a.m. A motorcoach transfer to your ship will depart Sofitel Angkor Hotel at 8:15 a.m. this transfer will take approximately 5 hours with a stop en route at Kampong Thom and you will embark the ship at Prek Kdam, rather than the Tonle Sap Lake. For embarkations scheduled for Ho Chi Minh City: Register at the AmaDara Check-In Desk located in the lobby of the Sofitel Plaza Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City, at 11:00 a.m. Passengers will then be transferred to the ship at My Tho Port to arrive by 2:00 p.m.
Are shore excursions included?
Europe: A sightseeing tour is included in each city or town you visit, along with free time to explore the city according to your own interests. The sightseeing tours can take place on foot, via motor coach, or a combination of the two. Each tour is led by a qualified, licensed English-speaking local guide or your Cruise Manager. In addition to the Gentle and Active Walkers groups for some excursions, AmaWaterways have a "Late Starter" option for guests who wish to sleep in but do not want to miss key tour highlights. For those guests interested in exploring Europe from an exciting new perspective, we offer guided bicycle and hiking tours in select cities (capacity controlled). In addition to their many choices of excursions, they also offer Special Interest Tours, offering small groups the chance to be even more immersed in the local life and culture. In the event of water level problems on certain stretches of the river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the daily program as determined by the ship's Captain. Vietnam & Cambodia: A sightseeing tour is included at each location on the itinerary. The sightseeing tours can involve walking on uneven ground and steps, travel by motorcoach, local boat or a combination thereof. Each tour is led by a qualified English-speaking local guide. In the rare event of water level problems, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the daily program whenever conditions render it necessary, by determination of the ship's captain. Africa: All excursions are included.
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