AmaKristina is simply elegant, ultimately classy, yet unexpectedly down-to-earth and comfortable. We enjoyed the Christmas Markets on the Rhine from the first moment to the last. Every detail from the excursions, to the stateroom appointments, to the dining choices, to the decor was meticulously thought out, and the personal service along the way from the crew was warm, welcoming, and refreshingly precise. The Christmas Markets were so charming, and the transfers (by bus in most cases) to the Christmas Markets were easy and quite comfortable. We particularly enjoyed the Christmas Markets in Cologne and Riquewier - but each market was very unique and had regional specialties. Fitness classes were offered free of charge each morning, and the availability of bicycles aboard the ship for bike tours provided unexpected fitness options. The Chef's table was spectacular - and is included at no additional charge one night during your 7-night cruise. The Chaine de Rotisseurs (I may have misspelled that - sorry!!) dinner was another special night - offered in the main restaurant for all guests free of charge. The sip-n-sail cocktail hour (free mixed drinks from 6pm to 7pm) was also unexpected, and a nice addition... with regional beers and wines offered each day with lunch and dinner the beverage options are quite inclusive. A few touches that I particularly appreciated: a Christmas wreath on each cabin door, in the bathroom a blue light automatically lights the way to the toilet in the middle of the night when you open the bathroom door, and automatically the blue light dims to shut itself off. And - amazing but true - NO ONE FROM AMA EVER ASKED ME TO DO A REVIEW. Refreshing!! After being pelted with requests for reviews from over eager staff members and via urgent emails from every hotel, airline, restaurant I visited this week - this review is the only one that I will spend my time doing. And, as I write a review I am hopeful that this review will be found valuable by other fellow travelers. Read Less

AmaWaterways cruise schedule and ports met our desires and the total cost was slightly less than major competitors. Our mid-October cruise was from Basel, Switzerland, north to Amsterdam in the Netherlands. We were given copious information in advance of the cruise (text, photos, and maps) about the ports and available tours so we could study and plan our days and photo shoots. We had a little time before embarkation to explore Basel and that city was quite interesting. Ama offered at least 2 complimentary tours in each port as well as a bicycle tour in some ports. We could sign up for regular paced walking tours or leisurely (more time to take photos). The tour guides were knowledgeable and looked out for us so that we would not get separated from the group in crowded areas. And a headset enabled us to still hear the tour guide when we were looking at the sights (as long as we were within about 50 feet of the guide). Our cabin was clean, quiet, comfortable, and cozy. The Rhine was extremely low (no rain for 4 months) and the ship (AmaStella) could not go farther north than Strassbourg but Ama had a solution and transferred us to another Ama ship (AmaKristina) that was heading south from Amsterdam but could go no farther than Dusseldorf -- a real logistical challenge for the ship crews to swap all the passengers and their luggage but handled extremely well. Once on the AmaKristina we finished our cruise, debarking in Amsterdam. Since the river was too shallow for the ship to go though the "Rhine Gorge" area (with all its castles), Ama arranged for passengers on both ships to go on a tour boat along that stretch of the Rhine, with complimentary wine and beer. Both the ships we were on (AmaStella and AmaKristina) were first rate in terms of crew helpfulness (all spoke good English), cabin comfort, and dining (the beef was particularly tender and delicious on both ships -- every meal was a delight and the waiter was happy to increase or decrease the portion size. While we did not take advantage of the evening entertainment (tired from walking), the exercise room or the beauty salon, we did enjoy the daily "happy hour" with complimentary drinks from the bar each evening before dinner. Weather (mid October) was too cool to take advantage of the pool and swim-up bar. Despite the river level being low and forcing some trip changes (beyond Ama's control) we had a marvelous time and are starting to plan our next AmaWaterways cruise. A fantastic company that we feel provided exceptional value for our money. Marcia Ehrhardt, the cruise director, was patient, took the low water schedule change and other challenges in stride, and kept us very well informed. Read Less

Our first river cruise experience was with AmaWaterways on the AmaViola in June 2017 on the Danube River and because of the great experience on that cruise we booked with AmaWaterways for a Rhine River cruise. AmaWaterways lived up to all our expectations on the Enchanting Rhine cruise on the AmaKristina ( sister ship to the AmaViola ) September 6th-17th with four days pre-cruise in Switzerland ( two days in Zürich and two days in Lucerne ) and seven days on the Rhine River embarking in Basel, Switzerland with stops for Riquewihr, Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Rüdesheim, castle viewing on the Rhine River Gorge, Cologne and disembarking in Amsterdam, Holland. Cruise Manager Colin Batch was outstanding in his relations with our fellow cruisers and headed up a great staff/crew. The guides for all our shore excursions were great with good English language skills. Food was always good with a very enjoyable Chef's Table dinner. It has been a dry summer in Europe so Rhine River water levels were low but we did not have any difficulties in sailing, navigation, dock passage or port docking. We have been VERY, VERY pleased with AmaWaterways and hope to do future cruises with them....job well done!!! Read Less

Loved our second cruise on AMAwaterways. Attentive crew, lovely room and wonderful tours daily and food. Did wish we had more evening entertainment. Not floor shows but lectures etc. Loved the trip and will do again in 2020. Everything went smoothly and staff could not do enough to make the trip enjoyable. We would def go again and have booked another trip in advance.A wonderful excursion for those interested. I think all on board had a most wonderful time. I would recommend this line to anyone who wants a really lovely trip and one with great attention to detail, nice and varied wines and interesting people also on board. The tour guides were knowledgeable but I do think all the river cruises rotate and use same tour guides and whomever is available. The nice thing about AMA is that they have numerous levels of walking tours for all stages of peoples activity level. In addition bikes on board for those as well as numerous private tours and hikes. As I mentioned attention to detail is very evident. The room service is exceptional and linens are changed off and freshened up twice daily with little treat at evening left in the room as well as souvenirs for travels near during the travel time. Read Less

This was our second cruise with AMA. The first was the Danube and now the Rhine River. From the very beginning of each of these cruises.. every detail was noted to make sure all passengers were delighted. The cruise manager, Marcia and hotel manager Eduord were the best of the best. Also we had a very hands on captain. The staterooms were roomy enough and very efficient. The meals and entertainment were top of the line. What sets AMA cruises apart from others are the programs/guides/sites along the way to experiencing Europe’s famous cities and small villages. We never remotely had a concern/problem along the way. If we had, we were always assured anything could be fixed. The guides were extremely knowledgeable about the areas of the country they came from. There was extraordinarily history and experiences shared with us. We highly recommend any river cruise with AMA. They are a family owned company and want each of us to have a valuable travel experience. The Grants Read Less

Good experience with inconvenience of record hot summer, and drought across Central Europe. Captain did the best one could, "Everyone talks about the weather, but no one ever does anything about it"-Mark Twain. Some minor itinerary shifts, and less convenient docking, due to low water. Small staff, morale and attitude very good, professional. Open seating 3 meals a day made connecting with specific waiters, though certainly seamless hand-offs. Occasional coordination slight delays at breakfast for coffee. I missed the Ocean Cruise relationship w a single waiter throughout. The ship offered Sip and Sail, an unadvertised feature of cocktails, beer, wine, complimentary for one hour prior to dinner, along with complimentary, beer- Stella on tap- wines with lunch and dinner. One red one white the meal, the same unoaked French Chardonnay every day, some variation in reds. Generous pours- the inexperienced be careful! Food quite good, compared to experiences with Holland America and Cunard. I ordered entercôte very rare, ie 'bleu', twice and, both perfect, NOT overcooked both times. (I have been told water hate the order 'rare', as it id cooked to order, then complaints and returns, 'ugh, this is raw'." I have learned to assure, "I will not send it back for under cooking". Variations, request all provided w/o hint of protest or inconvenience. I only undertook 2 excursions, the trip to the Amsterdam flower auction, massive facility, was great, as it is impossible to describe, scale, scope, and complexity of the system. walk across the building and back, 1 mile. The final day excursion to Riquwehr FR, was fun. Alsatian village from 15500-1600's, lot of tourists, but no pizza or MaDonalds. Sat in café, watched it flow by. Cabin snug, public areas laid out well, so cabin for sleep and naps. Ship was impeccably clean Dress casual, well heeled group of mostly retired Southern professionals, dressed same as if home. PROS- All-inclusive approach means the feeling of nickeled and died to death was blessedly missing CONS Not really. Close quarters of boat. Its a boat on a river, so it's a big as possible Read Less

Overall, the cruise was a big disappointment. 1st river cruise after more than 20 ocean cruises. New boat, but of course very small. Upgraded rooms (double balcony, full size shower) only about 200 square feet. However, clean, modern, adequate air conditioning. Arrived at dock approximately 6 hours before embarkation. Staff was outstanding, allowing us to wait on board until checkin. Location of dock in Amsterdam was not conducive to exploration of the immediate neighborhood (industrial warehouses, mounds of rotting garbage, homeless, extensive graffiti). However, 15-20 minute walk would get you to the old town historic area. Mostly elderly guests (average age approximately 75 plus. We are in our early 50's). On board, dining choices were fine. Staff was again outstanding. We are not a fan of open seating, but most of the time the same tables were available (with the same staff). Breakfast and lunch were buffet style, with some menu only items. Any/all alcoholic beverages were included at meals and Happy Hour. Otherwise, pay as you go. Extremely scaled down menu available in the lounge at lunchtime. Do not expect any onboard activities on a ship this size. Following dinner, music/dancing is available in the small lounge. On three nights, outside entertainment came aboard, but after 1-1.5 hours, they were rushed off. Little about the experience matches the brochure. The Rhine is an industrial river. Aside from a single day passing through the Rhine Gorge (and seeing many castles you cannot visit), the shore is dotted with warehouses and businesses. Because of the heat, very few guests could use the top deck. However, the small pool was an oasis. At no port could you walk off the boat and easily access the town/village/city. A 30 to 90 minute bus ride was required for most excursions, with a mostly unorganized guide babbling in disjointed stream of consciousness. Following the tour, you were given 1-2 hours to explore the area, then it's back on the bus. In one port, guests were allowed off at 9:00 am and the ship sailed at 1:00pm. Overall, an extremely structured cruise, with little time for getting to know the towns. Do not take the cruise in the summertime. Blistering hot in each port. Most shops and restaurants are not air conditioned. I can hear the complaints of "spoiled americans", but for the cost or the trip, and where we live (New Orleans), we were looking forward to a break from the heat. Many active shore excursions (biking, active hiking) were cancelled by the tour guides due to the heat. Each excursion visited a cathedral or castle/fort, but most of the tours consisted of small tourist shops filled with Chinese manufactured trinkets. Shopping is definitely off the list, with prices ranging from 2-3 times the cost in the U.S. Post-cruise travel to Luzern was the best part. Skip the boat and stay there for 7 nights. Zurich is just another large city. Nothing special. In conclusion, do not expect the history filled, romantic getaway described in the literature. Though not the "voyage of the living dead" of an Alaska cruise, it's very close. Read Less

We have been long-time ocean cruisers and this was our first river cruise. I had always been warned that it is very different from ocean cruising and that is true - in a good way! I had also been told AMA is a first class company and would not disappoint - also true. We boarded with these understandings and were open to a new and different cruise experience. Our favorite travel agent had formed a group to sail together (she is always lots of fun), so we knew we would enjoy the people on board. AmaKristina is new (last year) and very beautiful. Public spaces well-appointed and clean. Cabins were even more spacious than I anticipated with plenty of storage. Beds were firmer than we are used to but we neglected to ask for extra cushion. Dining was also very good, plenty of variety - well prepared and presented. Service also was very good ship-wide. I really have no complaints about the ship, its provisions or its personnel. There is not a lot of entertainmenton a river cruise, but we did enjoy the nights extra entertainers were brought onboard. We also had no problem "making our own fun" otherwise. Port stops are pretty much every day on a river cruise, so we were never bored. We have always enjoyed sea days so it was maybe more than we wanted to do. The shore excursions were well-organized and tour guides were very good. They provide a wide variety of activity options. You will cetainly find something to fit your desired activity level, and it is easy to get to know others on board. With about 150 passengers embark and debark were a breeze - easiest we have encountred ever. We definitely plan to do another river cruise in the future, and will be happy to sail with Ama again. They take very good care of their passengers! Read Less

My husband researched and booked our first river cruise to celebrate our wedding anniversary after having traveled on many ocean cruises. He decided on AMA, Amsterdam to Basel followed by AMA’s 4 night post cruise land tour to Lucerne and Zurich. Our expectations were exceeded from the moment we stepped on the ship. The service from all of the staff was attentive to our every need and always with a greeting and smile from early morning to late evening. Every meal was delicious, the selections on breakfast and lunch buffets were varied and freshly prepared, the evening meals were ordered off each night’s menu. AMA provided a wide variety of tour options for each day, in some stops it was hard to decide which tour to take as all of them were interesting. The cruise director was extremely helpful on all of our requests and was easily accessible. The land tour likewise exceeded our expectations in every way. To anyone booking a river cruise, we’d say to take a look at AMA! Read Less

We chose to cruise with AmaWaterways based on our Travel Agent’s recommendation. Right from the time we embarked in Basel to our departure in Amsterdam, we had a wonderful time. Everything on the AmaKristina (commisioned in 2017) was great, from the on-board staff and entertainment, to the food and the well organized off ship excursions! Our stateroom had a French balcony and a small balcony with a couple of chairs and a small table-very useful for sitting and watching the Rhine castles and vineyards as we steamed downstream towards Amsterdam! At each stop along the way during our seven night journey, the excurdions were well planned and organized. Alghough we were encouraged to sign up for the events well in advance of our trip, we discovered that we could make changes while on-board. Most excursions had options for gentle, normal and active walkers and this were well received by the guests. We will definitely sail with AmaWaterways again! Read Less