Exceptional service, excellent food, high class all the way! Embarking and disembarking is so different on this river cruise than we have experienced on ocean cruising... no line ups, very relaxed process, so smooth. The buffet breakfast was very good... all the options one would want including made to order omelettes and for the bread lover - a huge array of choices. Each meal featured a couple of options... a little less than we are used to on ocean cruises, but certainly satisfying. At one of the meals, I experienced the best pork I think I’ve ever eaten! The service was pretty top notch and the wine choices were very good! We found the shore excursions were excellent - local guides with a lot of knowledge. Having the bicycle option was an added bonus. The exercise room was well equipped with top of the line equipment. Our cruise manager, Kriss Stallabrass, was excellent! Very organized, knowledgeable and fun! Read Less

Though I have traveled all over the world with friends and family, this was my first river boat cruise. Before you decide to go on an Amawaterways river cruise, I think you should close the glossy brochure and read actual reviews from travelers. It's all about expectations. The majestic views from the brochure are not the norm. The Rhine is a busy working river with cargo ships passing by often. You only have one day of looking at lush countryside and magnificient castles. You will not magically walk off the ship at night to grab a drink in a quaint town. Most of your stops are not near town, but rather in an industrial port on the outskirts of town. If you expect to wake up and enjoy a cup of coffee on your personal balcony that will not happen either. I never expected to be tied up to other river boats and staring into someone else's room. Who knew you would be climbing across other boats to get off your river boat. Save your money and choose the cheapest room on the boat. Did you ever expect if you got hurt while traveling on a river boat you would be considered a nusance rather than a special traveler. It's all about expectations!!! Our group did take the pre-cruise trip and I would highly recommend that if your time and budget allows. We met some great people which was extra fun once we left shore. The Amakristina is a beautiful new ship. The rounded staircases looked elegant, but just be reminded that the depth of each step is shorter than the normal ones you use on land. I would recommend you hold on to the hand-rail when you are on the stairs. One of our group tumbled one afternoon and required surgery as soon as we got him back home. The cabin rooms were immaculate with more storage than I expected. I would not upgrade my room to include a balcony. One sunny afternoon, we were pulling into a port and our plan was to sit and have a drink on our balcony to enjoy the view, but within a few minutes we were tied up to another boat and the stunning view was gone. The cleaning staff were outstanding. They waited discreetly for you to leave your room and got your room sparkling before you returned. The food was good. The dining room had booths and tables which you selected on a first come first serve basis at each meal. Make sure you don't hand your plate or tea cup to the server when they are clearing the table. They will definitely scold you to put it down. The staff definitely considered it rude to try and help them out. Not sure if the staff was reprimanded by upper management if they saw a guest helping but, it sure was unsettling on three occasions that a member of our group was sternly told not to pass their things to the waiter. I guess we crazy Americans just have a habit to help. I can't say I have ever traveled some place when you were told, "No! No! No!" There was one main area to congregrate after dinner. The entertainment was ok, but nothing memorable. The bartenders did a good job. On the last night on the trip, "No talking" signs were posted in the only bar because of a string performance. Though they were talented musicians, I thought it was a bad idea for the last night aboard the boat to require all guest not to talk in the only bar. The activities director had fostered such great friendship building throughout the cruise and now, when people wanted to toast the trip and say good-bye they could not. The people we met from all over the world we terrific and by far the best part of the trip. The activities director who was in charge of all the off boat excursions worked her tail off. She was by far the hardest member of the crew and most professional. The shore excursions were well organized. They left on time and had you back to the ship precisely when they said. The local guides were ok. They weren't too flexible. It was raining sideways in Amsterdam and the group was soaked and requesting to head to our coffee and apple cake spot a little early, but for some reason we could not do that. Make sure you bring an umbrella and a map so, if you decide it's time to get out of the rain, you can find your way back to the boat. don't be afraid to break away from the group and duck into a local spot. I think it might be more fun. Don't be afraid to skip a planned tour and do your own thing. There is not a lot of time to do both. No one every expects to get hurt on a cruise, but if you ever worried what would happen if you did read on. We were a group of eight onboard. One member or our group tripped on the main stairs. The fall resulted in a torn patella tendon pushing the passenger's kneecap up into his thigh until he got back to the states and had surgery. The recovery time was four months. The only person capable of handling the situation was another passenger. Thanks god he was there.There was no medically trained person on the ship. I am sure the size of the boat precludes it. We did not see any member of the crew who was assigned to triage accidents or medical emergencies. There was a first aide kit. If you are in need of a splint while in the middle of the Rhine River torn bed linens tied to tour guide sign posts work well. If you expect that the ship's Captain and/or Hotel Manager will take charge in this type of situation you will be disappointed. If you expect someone to knock on your door and deliver ice, food and maybe even a complimentary soda they won't. Find the activiites manager and ask her to call ahead to a local guide to secure crutches at the next port. Use your dirty clothes bag to get ice at the bar. Borrow towels from your neighbors you are going to need extra when the ice melts. Apparently, another passenger a few trips before we traveled fell and broke their collar bone on the same steps. If you thought an accident report would be filed at some point, by and any member of the AmaWaterways crew you will be waiting a forever. The VP of sales will be worried once you return and read the evaluations you complete at the conclusion of your ship. There were no special accommodations made for the injured patient in the dining room. He was scolded multiple times in the dining room during the remaining five days he stayed on the ship. The dining staff were more concerned with not having to reset a table then helping a patient injured on their ship who could not bend his knee and who could only sit at very specific tables not a booth. If you are are concerned how the ship would handle an injury I think you should be. Our group was celebrating our 30 and 35th wedding anniveraries. We had read so much about the over top service people had experienced while traveling on a river cruise, but sadly, that was not what we experienced. Hope yours is a million times better. Our group is researching our next vacation, but it will certianly not be on a river cruise. Read Less

Two year old beautiful ship, the food was excellent and the cabins had plenty of room. The ship was very easy to navigate for all ages, with the exception of the sundeck. The elevator did not go up. The off-shore excursions had enough options to meet interests and physical capabilities for all on-board. Staying on the boat always being one of the options. The staff and cruise manager were exceptional. You would not have known they have been on-board since March 1st only a couple of weeks vacation by their enthusiasm. The entertainment was a little different each evening and met our personal tastes a few of the times. Was still talented and good even though it may have not been our cup of tea. I am a person that has been on multiple ocean cruises and always battles motion sickness. No issues at all during the 7 days on the river. Would do it again if the opportunity arises. Read Less

This was our first river cruise. When traveling, I prefer to stay in luxury hotels and spas. Prior to the cruise, I was anxious about the quality and space onboard, since I had read many reviews of small cabin space. We opted for the suite upgrade and was given suite 304. I was pleasantly surprised at the space and finishes. We were given little extra tokens of appreciation such as in room champagne upon arrival, ama logo travel bags and luggage tags, Ama scarf and ama cap. These were nice little surprises that made us feel appreciated. There were numerous small things that they did for us that made us feel like family and that we mattered. The saying that people may forget what you say and do but never forget about how they make you feel, is so true with this ship. The entire staff was professional and considerate. Our bathroom had both a full sized tub and a smaller shower. The shower was a little tight for my husband as he is 6’3” and a big guy but he managed. The tub was full length and comfortable. We had both a French and traditional balcony. It was too chilly to sit on the balcony but would be nice in warmer weather. We had a computer and a wall of closet space. Very limited drawer space but plenty of hanging space and shelving The Amaserna is a beautiful boat. The interior looks new and well cared for. Due to staying busy with tours, food and finding new friends, We didn’t use the spa or small gym. They also have a small hair salon.a nice walking track and heated pool which were on the top deck. We were told they offer fitness classes in the top deck during warmer weather. The captain was pleasant and efficient. We had no issues with docking, locks or travels. The food was good and at times exceptional. The chefs table was a nice surprise and a fun and excellent dining experience. The breakfast was standard and good. I didn’t have lunch any day on the ship. We were constantly offered food - early breakfast, breakfast and late breakfast, lunch, tea time, sip and sail, dinner, and late night snack! Plus, we are at the Christmas Markets or stopped in small cafes in town. The tours were small groups of around 10-15 people. They offered active, regular and gentle walkers. My husband was having hip pain. So, a few days we did the gentle walker and it was so nice to have door to door service to and from the Abbey and Churches. We were given audiovox headphones to hear the tour guides. This was helpful. We could move away to make pictures while still hearing what they were saying. Of course, there was never enough time at any location. But, this was a 7 day cruise and we had 7 days of towns and cites to visit. It was nice that we were given the opportunity In Linz to (1) stay entire day in Linz (2) short Linz tour and half day excursion to Salzburg (3) full day In Salzburg. (4) morning in Linz and excursion to Chesky Krumlov I wanted to do all of them but chose the morning in Linz and half day to Salzburg. Great choice for us. On board entertainment was what I expected. Not the best and not the worst. We had a pianoman full time and some “lock hoppers” who hopped on board between the dam locks and provided unique local entertainment. We had a trio of classical musicans, “Von Trapp family of singing and dancing, lastly a one man acoustic guitar rock and roll oldies entertainer. These were fine and what one would expect on a small boat. Our transfers to and from the airport were easy and the staff was helpful. We had someone at the airports (arrival and departure) from Ama who helped with our luggage and finding our way to checkin and to security. Overall, it was a great experience and makes us want to do it again with Ama. If we had planned to visit all these cities and towns with tours and food , the cost would’ve been so much more. Currently, we are planning our next trip with Ama Read Less

My friend and I wanted to encourage our husbands to enjoy the Normandy area and we wanted to see parts of France, including Paris.... this trip fit the bill.... We had done our own exploration of Normandy for several days before the cruise and were very glad that we did.... I think a 1 day 10 hour excursion cannot capture the magnitude of what is available in that region for history lovers..... But, we LOVED our cruise with AMA.... the staff was superb... the food was delicious and ample, the shore excursions were guided by local experts.... I posted photos and notes from our trip at www.parisandnormandy.wordpress.com When we pictured a trip along the Seine, we pictured cute little town and riding our bikes along the river bank.... we were able to do that more than once on this trip. There were exercise classes every morning and afternoon that were available to all and even a small fitness room. It allowed you to work off some calories to be ready to eat the yummy desserts. I would describe our experience with the local guides as spotty.... some were superb and we would not change a thing.... others were so full of knowledge about the subject that they could NOT adjust for an audience of travelers who just wanted to soak in the BEAUTY of a particular site.... No blame to AMA, but a weather event precluded the majority of the people who went to the Normandy excursion to go to the American cemetery.... it was a major disappointment to them, but certainly AMA rebounded by finding other places they COULD go on that excursion... and did it on short notice as well. We would travel with AMA again in a heartbeat! If only we could be PLOPPED in our departure city and not have to make the flight! Read Less

Family recommended the Amawaterways cruise company . We couldn’t of had a better trip. The ship was in excellent condition from brass bell down to the on board bikes to take ashore . We were wowed by the crew especially the cruise manager “Marcia”. The food was excellent and suited all types of tastes and appetites along with the abundant poured wines paired with all the meals .(except breakfast Thank God)! We saw lots of other cruise companies as we traveled up the Rhine and our ship always looked the best and had active guests and crews having fun on deck all the time . Others cruise ships seemed to not have the same energy . Our on shore activities were great especially the hired by ama tour guides in each port , turely amazing and so knowledgeable and fun to follow through village listening to all the history and amusing details of our visit . Read Less

I booked my first Ama cruise because they offer bike tours for no additional fee. This year, they have added a fitness program on some ships and, hope to have instructors on all ships next year. The river cruise market is changing. Ama is expanding their programs to include more activity levels. They offer gentle, average and active walking speeds and bike tours. They also make the bikes available for individual rides. The other big positive for me is freedom. When I explained that I prefer to "do my own thing" they went out of their way to make sure I felt comfortable. I said I didn't want a big meal in the evening and they brought a large dinner salad as an entree. Cheese and fruit were available on the buffet table so I could have my favourite - herb cheese, dates and olives - as an appetiser or dessert. All three of my cruises on Ama have had other singles onboard, a few multi-generational families and friends sharing a cabin. I also like the mix of nationalities. Passengers are not just Americans. Canada, Norway, Spain, Hong Kong are the countries I remember. Thru the end of September, they are running a special that includes airfare so check their website if you're considering booking. And, no I don't work for them. Read Less

This cruise was chosen specifically because of the itinerary. It went from Amsterdam to Basel and for 11 days. Our cruise manager was Dejan Stancic and was absolutely one of the most fabulous and entertaining person! He made us smile and laugh each evening when he provided the passengers (guests) with previews and information for upcoming ports. He was very knowledgable and approachable so it was easy to ask questions of any kind that would help make your trip even better. The rest of the staff were absolutely awesome, all were friendly and smiling, we always looked forward to meals and just being anywhere on board because they made us feel like family quickly. The captain, crew and hotel manager were also very friendly. What a great time we had! The ports were fabulous (read the itinerary in the brochure) and there also was a few relaxing mornings on the ship so we did not need to rush as much like the seven day cruises would be. Of course, the views on the Rhine and Moselle were gorgeous and seeing the castles dotting the hillsides (as Dajan said, you would be seeing so many on each side of the ship that you would begin to feel like a ping pong ball!) This was truly a fairytale experience! The ship was beautiful, the cabins spotless and embarkation/disembarkation experiences were seamless. Thank you AMAPRIMA for this wonderful and memorable cruise!!! Loved every second of it. Read Less

After 10 days in Spain, we boarded the Amalyra in Paris bound for the Normandy coast for a 7-day Seine river cruise. The main highlights for me: - the crew and staff all spoke English and were exceedingly helpful - the small number of passengers allowed my wife and I to get to know many - the multiple INCLUDED excursions each day were above average in quality with knowledgeable and professional guides - our ship had a pleasant fitness director that offered exercise options throughout each day - their were adequate food options of good quality at all meals - a included bike tour of Paris with two professional guides was wonderful and immersive The only negatives I could come up with: - the on-board entertainment was limited - some tour guides had weak English - food options outside of the main meals were limited - the D-day itenerary seemed poorly coordinated Read Less