Out travel agent recommended this cruise and AMA waterways. Best pick ever. Our crew was fantastic and the highlight was our cruise director Edward. He was truly a outstanding and caring person who made sure everyone was having fun and fixed everything before it could go wrong. It rained and was cold but we had a ball! The crowd was older 60-70’s but there’s plenty to do and each stop was well organized and fun. The Christmas markets are pretty much all the same stuff but the sight seeing was fun. I would definitely recommend AMA although I never heard of them before this trip. Others had been on Viking and said it’s far better on AMA and I would have every reason to give them my business in the future. All the crew were kind and helpful really looking out for the guests. I can’t think of anything they could improve. Read Less

My financial advisor told me I needed a vacation. How crazy is that? I have visited Europe numerous times and knew I wanted to go on a Christmas Markets river cruise. My travel agent found this one. This was my first experience with AmaWaterways, and it was outstanding. My cabin was lovely and quiet and was cleaned thoroughly and in a flash each morning while I was at breakfast. The food was delicious, fresh, healthy and plentiful. It was fun sharing each day's experiences over supper with new-found friends. I was traveling alone and got sick during the cruise. The crew went above and beyond to care for me. I requested custom meals to get my strength back. I thoroughly enjoyed my shore excursions and thought it was wonderful how Ama accommodated their guests' activity levels so that everyone could enjoy the excursions at their own pace. Knowledgeable guides. I had an absolute blast on the post-cruise extension. Really great hotels. The most helpful, patient, personable crew on earth...from the moment I walked on the ship. Ama, you blew everyone else out of the water. When it comes to travel, I have found my home. AmaWaterways, you can consider me a passenger for life. See you soon! Read Less

I went on this Rhine River Christmas Market cruise with a few friends. I had my own stateroom with a balcony and French balcony. The bathroom is positively huge and gorgeous, particularly compared to large cruise ships I’ve been on. We began in Amsterdam and had enough time to explore the city the day before we embarked. Each stop was beautiful and full of Christmas markets, castles, and cathedrals. Our tour guides were very knowledgeable although ours in Cologne was our favorite. These cruises are definitely for those who want a relaxing on board experience. This is not a Royal Caribbean type cruise. Don’t bring kids. I have four and they would’ve died of boredom. That being said, I loved the peace and quiet and slow pace, and a glass of wine on the balcony watching cute European towns go by. There was one lounge and two restaurants. Our meal service was impeccable and by the end of the week several servers knew whether we preferred white or red, Splenda or sugar, etc. I found them all quite friendly and fun. The service staff was charming and didn’t complain once that I lost my key card twice. Read Less

This was a Rhine wine cruise and we sailed with another couple. We had Juliet balcony suites that were, for a cruise ship, roomy. Everything is included in this package, so need to worry about drinks during lunch or dinner, excursions are included, special dining, cocktail hour, and all meals and snacks. The crew was pleasant, thoughtful, and attentive. The cleaning staff was discrete and timely. It rained quite a bit during our trip, and the crew had umbrella's available for guests. The excursions were varied and fun. At one point, my husband was the only one scheduled for a tour - a hike, and they still held the tour. He went off with the tour guide and had a fabulous time. The food was varied and delicious. The main course reflected the region we were sailing through, there were options for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free eaters. I highly recommend traveling with Amawaterways. I look forward to sailing with them again. The entertainment was basically non existent, there was a piano trio one night. There were several evening excursions. Read Less

This was my first River Cruise. Stayed in Zurich one night before trip and took the train to Basel for embarkation. Wonderful crew that was always ready to help , cruise director was always on top of everything, the excursions were planned very well and went smoothly. We were in a deluxe cabin (AA) and the room was very nice. Cabin did have strange smell at certain times. Not sure why. Food was good. Everyone goes to dinner at same time which was nice way to meet different people. Drinks were better. Entertainment was nice but not my style. Disembarkation was smooth. We stayed and extra night in Amsterdam and cruise director had a taxi ready to take us to hotel. I would highly recommend. I hope to go on another River cruise as I prefer the smaller boat and less people to an larger ocean cruise any day ! Read Less

This cruise was a classical-music themed charter, sailing from Amsterdam to Basel. Having sailed on a river cruise before with another company, I had a good idea of what to expect. The AmaSerena crew certainly lived up to expectations in terms of service at the front desk, housekeeping service in the cabins, and the all-important role of the Cruise Director -- Bojan did a marvellous job of organizing daily tours and activities for all of us to enjoy, all while dealing with the necessity to keep fitting the daily concert into the schedule on top of everything else. The three stars are for these aspects of the trip. The big disappointment was the service (or lack of it) in the dining room. And believe me, I am not a demanding, special-attention-greedy customer at all. Every day, at one or more of the meals, things went wrong either for me or for others at the table where I was sitting. Here are a few examples: -- two servers whose English was so poor that they could barely understand simple questions. The company advertises that English is the working language of the cruise. -- one server who was particularly grumpy in the mornings, and spent far more time talking with colleagues than helping customers. -- a server who poured coffee for two of six people at breakfast, then left and didn't return to pour for the other four. -- similar problem with wine at dinner. -- a salad delivered to the table without all the ingredients mentioned in the menu. -- several instances of people being given some dish other than what they had requested. AmaWaterways makes a big deal in their advertising of being a member of the international gourmet network, "La chaine des rotisseurs." The food by and large lived up to that reputation but the service definitely did not. And finally: when I submitted my customer survey at the end of the cruise, with contact details, I asked specifically for a personal contact to discuss these issues. I have not received any reply to this request. This cavalier attitude towards service and customer feedback is the biggest single reason why I don't plan on sailing with AmaWaterways again. Read Less

The travel agent selected this Rhine cruise on AMA Serena. It was expensive ($10,00) for our cabin, but it included 2-3 tours in each port, all the wine you could drink, and delightful staff. However, the meals were not memorable (better food on the plane), and not all the tours were ones we would enjoy --going to a bar and drinking a local favorite. We decided that those who drink would have gotten their money's worth....we did not. The room seemed small because of two balconies. We will ask for only one next time. There was limited entertainment although an organists played every night. There was one gathering room with many couches and chairs where the less formal was served each night They served the same food as the restaurant. There was also a very small library with two couches and electric fireplaces. This was much cozier.. Numerous opportunities for fitness. He was a good 'coach'. As I said, the staff was incredibly attentive, helpful, and friendly. They actually 'made' the trip fun. Will try another cruise next time. I know this is a bit negative, but we did enjoy visiting the cities on our own and the coffee/hot chocolate always available. It was a nice cruise, but not worth the money we paid. Read Less

My husband and I along with 10 other friends just returned from sailing 7 days on this ship. It was excellent in all ways. The food was great - especially the Chef's Table which was no additional charge for each of the guests to enjoy one ight onboard. The Cruise Director, Radostina (Radi) Markovic was fun, knowledgeable and tireless in ensuring that all the passengers had a good time and the entire staff was wonderful - including Victor, our tireless exercise guru. We started in Amsterdam with a pre-cruise 3 day adventure and loved every minute of this wonderful city. Embarkation was easy and we were allowed to go right to our rooms with luggage delivered within minutes. The stateroom/cabin was well appointed and roomy. We loved the outdoor veranda as well as the one that was glass from ceiling to floor in case the weather didn't encourage being outside. Bathrooms were roomier than usual and housekeeping did a great job two times a day. The ports were interesting and different and the shore excursions were available for all sorts of needs: gentle walkers, regular and high activity level. Most of the guides were excellent and in all the ports, we had enough time to enjoy the destination on our town. The only thing that could have been improved is that it would have been great to have some lunches on sunny days on the deck and also drinks service. There was a bar but I never saw anyone tending it. We could have used more lectures about ports and issues. Our small group got special attention which we loved and even had our own farewell reception on the last night with the help of Radi and the amazing F&B team. The entertainment after dinner we wonderful and high quality and we all had great fun each evening. We will definitely sail AMA again in another part of the world. Read Less

We chose AMA upon the suggestion of a well-seasoned travel agent/friend.. This was a once in a lifetime trip and we hoped that it would be almost perfect!! It lived up to our expectation.....from beginning to end! We have experienced ocean cruises, but are sold on river cruises after this experience! We booked the pre/post options along with direct flights-business class. AMAWaterways was there for our every need. Transportation, lodging (AMASERENA and hotels) were top-notch. Weather was great (Lucky, I would say). The ship was beautiful, water levels cooperated, our cruise manager, Rostina was experienced, precise, approachable & lovely!!! I agree, that the coffee in Europe is different, but tolerable. Food on the ship was very good. Our room was excellent. We were kept abreast of every part of the trip....we had so much fun! The excursions catered to each group, slower, faster. And, we met such lovely people!! Lucerne"s cable-car ride to the top of the mountain was spectacular, highly recommend this option. Zurich is very expensive....in particular meals, just a FYI. My husband, who was reluctant to traveling abroad, said "I'd do it again!!" WOW, so would I. Many thanks to AMAWATERWAYS and our travel agent, Kate Ficke, The Travel Gallery for all their assistance! Read Less

We chose this cruise to determine if a river cruise was a good fit for us. We have decided that for the money our bet is with the ocean cruises. If you are the type that can sit and enjoy a piano player or read. Then a river cruise is a good fit for you. We consider ourselves to be active and the River cruise just does not have enough activity. As for the rooms we upgraded to a balcony and found them to be very small. Not enough storage for your clothes and no place to put your luggage, As for the balcony, you had to walk sideways to get out there. Sometimes you are docked next to a cement wall or if you are one of the unlucky ones to be docked beside another ship, your balcony becomes useless. I would have liked to have more food choices since I enjoy simple food. The countries visited were very nice and I wouldn't mind seeing them again just not on a river cruise. Most of the staff were very pleasant but sometimes you can tell they were just being nice because they had to. Once again, this can be a great cruise for people that like to relax and like fancy food. Not for the active or the fussy eaters. Read Less

My husband and I were celebrating our 65th birthdays. This is our first river cruise. Our travel agent highly recommended AMA over any other river boat cruise. The ship, cabin, food, entertainment and service were outstanding. We particularly enjoyed the new "Wellness" program. Marcelo was an excellent fitness instructor. The shore excursions were very well planned. The local guides were excellent. We would have enjoyed all of the excursions. It would have been nice to spend more time in each port to enjoy more of their offerings. In general the time available for excursions (especially free time) was limited compared to time on the ship. In some ports, the docking locations made access to nearby cities/towns inaccessible. With regards to the staff there were some standouts. The Cruise Manager, Vanessa was delightful. She was very accommodating and approachable. Her Port Talks were very informative. We also enjoyed our Chef's Table Specialty Restaurant experience. In addition to the great food, the waitstaff made the dinner extra special. Alex, the Head Waiter was the perfect combination of charm, class and wit. The only dissapointment we experienced onboard was the coffee machine that dispensed instant coffee. We would have enjoyed freshly brewed coffee instead. Read Less

We cruised on the AmaSerena in July 2019. Our embarkation was very smooth. We were allowed on board early and had a light lunch available. Our room was excellent. We were in room 306 - we had a nice balcony and a very roomy bathroom. The dining experience was excellent. The food was great and plentiful. Plenty of options for a vegetarian in the party. We enjoyed our shore excursions, especially the option to be in the Active walker group, which gave us more (and faster) walking. Another highlight was the Wellness program. The available exercise programs helped us work off some of the good food. We had some time before our flight at the end of the trip. We were able to explore Basel, and then wait in the lounge of the ship (again with a light lunch) before we caught our ride to the airport. I would heartily recommend the Rhine cruise and the ship. Truly a wonderful experience. Read Less

Wanted to sail on the Rhine River. Great ship, service and scenery! Food was delicious and service impeccable! Cabin was so nice, small but great balcony and a place for everything. Our Cruise Manager, Marcus, was the best! He took great care of our group and made sure we were all where we were supposed to be. Entertainment was super as well as lectures about our destinations! Will certainly look to go with AMA again! The pre-cruise days in Zurich and Lucerne were great even though there was a heat wave in Europe. Especially loved Lucerne-beautiful and the hotel was great-right on the lake. Only negative of the whole trip was day of embarking in Basel. Got to HOT Basel and everything was closed -nothing to see or do. Had to walk to the boat in 100degree sun. Very difficult. Perhaps, in the future, don’t get to Basel until time to board. Other than that, everything was great! Read Less

This was our second cruise with AMA and we cannoy imagine a river cruise with any other line. The service and amenities are top-notch. The quality of food surpassed even our previous cruise. Unfortunately we had terrible weather throughout our 10 day holiday, but AMA still made the cruise very enjoyable. The daily walking tours, though hampered by the weather, were interesting and informative. The local guides' knowledge of the cities and castles was extensive and most of them had their own unique experiences to share. The new quiet vox devices were very helpful. On board, everything is spotless and attention to detail is obvious throughout the ship. Our cabins were serviced twice per day and hallways and other common areas are kept neat and tidy at all times. The small complement of guests and crew allows for great interaction. It was wonderful to meet so many people from various parts of the world and to converse at meals, on tours, in the lounge, etc. The wait staff in the dining room is very attentive. We found them willing to respond to any request, and even to anticipate needs before they were expressed. We often sat in a section served by Mile, who greeted us and served us in a friendly and positive manner. Our cruise manager Jeanette kept us informed and active throughout. She demonstrated an amazing ability to remember names and often engaged passengers in pleasant conversation. She accompanied many day tours as well and did an excellent job looking after any special needs that arose. She also saw each group of passengers away at disembarkation. The "wellness coach" Marcelo did a great job motivating passengers to stretch and exercise and be a little more active considering how many calories we were consuming through the week. This was a new feature for us, and though we didn't participate as much as we should have, it is very beneficial. Thanks to AMA for making this option available. The captain and other crew, though focused on their responsibilities, were friendly and good-humoured in their interactions with passengers. We found the overall atmosphere of this ship and cruise to be friendly and warm. While we had thought that this might be our last river cruise, our great experience on this one has left us wanting more. We will probably sail with AMA again in the not-too-distant furture. Read Less

First time river cruiser and very pleased! Ship was wonderful, staff very attentive, food delicious and plentiful, excursions to fit any need, and the wine sommelier was very interesting and knowledge. Great experience. People on this sailing were delightful and friendly. Room was very nicely appointed and room for 2 ladies with some space to spare! DEFINITELY will choose AmaWaterways again! The pre cruise excursion in Amsterdam was well worth it...just watch out for the bicycles!!! Booked flights through AMA and all arrangements were superb and definitely the easiest way to go to and from the airports. This cruise RAUL was Cruise Director and available 100% of the time and quite informative and entertaining, Enjoyed the excursions with different levels of activity...something for everyone. Just note that early April on Rhine can be quite chilly!! AMA is a first class provider, and you do not have to pay for extras...all inclusive and wonderful. Read Less

We were on the Iconic Christmas Markets Cruise during Christmas Week, and purchased the additional two nights in Prague though Ama. We have traveled extensively through the years, including ocean cruises, but this was our first river cruise. To say we were completely pleased is an understatement. The entire experience was top notch from the moment we landed in Budapest until our departure from Prague. We traveled with our two children, who are in their 20s. The Boat: Overall, the ship was extremely clean, and the rooms were comfortable. We had two rooms on the Cello Deck (mid-level) with a French balcony and outside balcony. It was too cold to use the outside balcony, but it made the room brighter. Our Housekeeper cleaned the room at least twice a day, including turn down service. The room was quiet and we slept well with nice linens and pillows. Since the boat is small, everything is a short walk and we never felt rushed to get to dinner or to the lounge. The Food: Excellent! Breakfast was primarily buffet style with a great selection of meats, cheeses, fruits, juices, eggs to order, and a huge pastry table. There were a couple of menu options, like Eggs Benedict. There was also a light breakfast option, pastries, in the lounge for late risers. Lunch was primarily buffet too, with different soups and main courses available. We could also order some items off of the menu, like cheeseburgers, which were delicious. Beer and wine were included with lunch, along with different desserts. Dinner was the highlight of the day. Each night featured a different 5 course menu with a couple of choices for each course. The main courses varied from beef to fish to chicken to lamb. We had dinner one night at the Chef’s Table Restaurant, and it was awesome. Beer and different wines included at dinner. Entertainment: There is only one lounge, and it was the meeting place at all hours of the day. There was a coffee/tea/chocolate maker that was available all the time. As far as I could tell, there was always a bartender on duty. People gathered in the lounge to read, socialize, and view the stunning countryside. At night there were some local entertainers, and there was a piano player/DJ to keep the guests entertained. In the rooms, the entertainment system didn’t always work, but it was not a problem for us. Wi-Fi was also spotty in some areas, but we enjoyed the views as we floated up the Danube. The gym is very small, but it was fine. The Cities and Tours: In order, Budapest, Vienna, Melk, Passau, Regensburg, Nuremberg. The Illuminations Cruise in Budapest was amazing. Since it was Christmas week, we only had Christmas markets in Budapest and Vienna (also Prague, but more on that later). The Christmas Markets were fantastic, and having cash was preferable for smaller purchases, like food and drink. Each stop had its own magic and charm. The contracted tour guides in each stop were incredibly knowledgeable. Since this cruise was over Christmas, most shops in the towns visited from December 24th – 26th (Melk, Passau, Regensburg) were closed as Christmas was being observed. Regardless, each was still charming to walk through and some coffee shops and restaurants were open. Each location was also busy with locals out strolling. On Christmas Day, anyone wanting to attend Mass could do so at the Cathedral in Passau, about 10 minutes’ walk from the ship. The Crew: Even though this group had been working for months and had encountered a couple of thousand guests and were almost done for the season, they were all amazingly friendly and helpful and patient. Every crew member I encountered smiled and greeted me and took the time to answer my questions graciously. The service was as good as any we have encountered in our journeys. Due to high water in Germany, the cruise was slightly modified, requiring us to spend the final full day at sail – no stops. The crew adjusted well, hosting a Bavarian themed lunch and ice cream party. We did not mind at all. The Captain and Cruise Manager provided briefings to the passengers on river conditions. Post Cruise Tour: We purchased two nights in Prague for a reasonable price. We were transported by bus from Nuremberg, and were treated to a top hotel, the Cosmopolitan. The Cruise Manager accompanied our group, which was great. The hotel was located just a few minutes from the Christmas Market and historical center of the city. Even though it was after Christmas, the Christmas Market was still open as the holiday is celebrated through January 6th in Prague. The package also included breakfast in the very nice hotel restaurant, and a walking tour of historic Prague. Transfer Service: We purchased from the airport in Budapest to the ship; and from the Cosmopolitan Hotel to the airport in Prague. Both experiences were great. In Budapest, we were greeted by Ama reps and transported in a roomy bus. They had bottled water, which was a godsend after the long trip. In Prague, our Cruise Manager greeted us as we left, even though it was 4:30 AM, and gave us a boxed meal to go. At the airport, an Ama rep met us and guided us through check in, which was much appreciated. 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

From the moment we arrived in Munich, AMA waterways service was top notch. We opted for the smallest cabin. The layout was very good, storage under the bed for suitcases, plenty of closet and drawer space for clothing, and good space in the bathroom for toiletries. Transfer from the airport was on a very comfortable coach with our guide providing nice commentary along the drive to Vilshofen,but knowing when people were getting a bit of shut eye so she kept it to a minimum. Although the room was not ready when we came onboard, there was a light meal in the lounge and we set off to walk around Vilshofen with a map from reception to stretch our legs after a long flight. Upon return to the ship our room was ready and our bags were in place waiting for us. We enjoyed the Octoberfest in the tent on the pier and then dinner in the dining room. Our waiter was so wonderful we tried to sit in his area throughout the cruise. The staff could not do enough to make you happy. Wine poured freely and the food was very very good. Breakfast was basically the same every day on the buffet but there was plenty of choices as well as options from the kitchen. Champagne was available at breakfast, as was the detox/vitamin water or the day. Lunch on board was a good variety. One day they had make your own Pho soup, you picked the meat and veggies and the chef put it together with the noodles and broth. So delicious. Again if you did not care for the buffet, there were menu options. Dinners were delicious. I will never forget the lamb or the mushroom soup. Although there was open seating it was nice to find new friends to eat with. People from all over the United States and the UK. Excursions were good with most guides being very knowledgeable. The only guide we didn’t care for was in Budapest. The captain was very nice, and our cruise director, Nicola was the best. Due to low water levels we had a change in plans and had to be bussed from Bratislava to Budapest. We spent one night at the Kempinski hotel. Beautiful room (and coming from the smallest room on the ship, a huge upgrade for us!). But the food on the illuminations cruise was not good but AMA stepped up and offered a credit on a future cruise. We met a travel agent on board who said we had picked the right company to cruise with. Although I had seen Viking commercials every Sunday while watching Downton Abbey, my research showed that AMA was the way to go. We are in our mid 50’s and felt there were people of all ages on board. The only negative of river cruising is the lack of time in ports such as Vienna and Budapest where you need more time. But that said, we can always go back. Ports - Passau was wonderful as was Melk and Linz. Loved Cesky Krumlov. Durnstein was ok...I would have preferred more time in Vienna instead or Budapest. Read Less

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We chose AmaWaterways Melodies of the Danube river cruise to celebrate our 42nd wedding anniversary, and we could not have made a better choice. We were to embark in Budapest, but unfortunately, due to low water levels on the Danube, Budadpest closed its ports, and the ship was in Vienna. This was at no fault of AmaWaterways. Although we were disappointed, AmaWaterways and our cruise manager, Sebastien, made sure that we did not miss a meal, excursion, or port due to the closure. We had arrived in Budapest two days prior to our cruise, and upon learning of the port closure, AmaWaterways arranged a room for us in the Budapest Ritz Carlton. It was here that we met Sebastien and soon realized how valuable he would be to the success of our cruise. He was very knowledgeable of the ports and excursions, and extremely organized. With his guidance, we were bused to Vienna where we embarked the AmaSerena, and the cruise continued its schedule unimpeded. The AmaSerena was impeccably maintained, and AmaWaterways commitment to safety, comfort, and service was at the highest level. Cleanliness was a high priority throughout the ship. The crew of the ship was very friendly and helpful, and exuded a pleasantness that made you feel like family. Our cabin, though on the small side, was very clean and well stocked. Our cabin stewardess was very efficient and timely in maintaining our room. Meals were well organized, and the food was of the highest quality utilizing many locally grown products from the area near our ports. The ship has two dining areas; one being open seating, and the Chef's Table Restaurant, requiring reservations and providing a wonderful fine dining experience. Following meals, entertainment was provided in the lounge for both listening and dancing. Local musicians and entertainers were brought on board to provide a taste of the local culture. AmaWaterways even provided an exclusive "Oktoberfest" in a tent on the pier next to our ship in Vilshofen, Germany, the terminus of our cruise. Lastly, excursions were well planned and used local guides knowledgeable in the customs and history of the city being visited. A brief description of the next day's excursion was placed in our cabin nightly. We could not have been happier with our AmaWaterways anniversary cruise on the AmaSerena. Service was top notch from beginning to end. Read Less

Our Amex travel agent suggested AMA Waterways as the very best onboard service she had experienced among several major river cruise lines, and we went with her recommendation. She was not off base at all. The onboard experience on AMA is second to none. All staff and crew were attentive, extremely helpful, and clearly focused on making our onboard experience special. The Tour Manager, Peter Whitehead, was the star of the show. Peter amazed me with his ability to recall details of his passengers and their itineraries, and to ensure that everything onboard was wonderful. Even when telling the passengers at daily briefings things we might not have wanted to hear, Peter was great--tactful, funny, but very direct and clear. Food onboard was very good, especially the once a voyage tasting dinner at the Chef's Table restaurant which was a very special evening open to all passengers once during the cruise. The dining experience in the main dining room was also very good, with a variety of offerings every meal, attentive and friendly service, and complimentary unlimited beer/wine at lunch and dinner. While alcohol was extra outside of those times, every day had a happy hour with free cocktails available. Overall, this was a superb onboard experience. Where the trip fell apart was on land where AMA appears constrained to use local guides of varying levels of skill at managing large groups of people, varying fluency in English, and varying levels of knowledge/interest/sensitivity to the needs of the group members they were guiding. On two occasions guides lost group members (fortunately, Peter Whitehead recovered everyone!), once in Prague where a group of 25 people was simply too large for one guide to manage while navigating the immense crowds on the Charles Bridge and Old Town, even with the QuietVoice headsets we were issued on almost every tour. On only one of the tours in Austria and Germany did the guide address the historical elephant in the room--Nazi Germany and Hitler. This was in Linz where it was probably pretty hard to avoid Hitler as he was born just outside the city and was welcomed into Austria there by cheering crowds in the main square after Germany annexed Austria just prior to WW II. Not sure what AMA can do about the guide issue, but if there is anything they can do (perhaps only hiring local guides who are fluent in English, skilled at managing large groups and knowledgeable, or when a large group format is necessary in a city like Prague, having two guides for each group--one to lead, one to collect stragglers!). The good news about tours was that physically every level of strength was covered. Those who were not able to walk fast were offered Gentle tours, which those hardy hikers among the passengers were led on strenuous hikes up castle promontories, etc.! Bikes and bike tours were also available at some ports. My partner and I felt that some of the stops on this voyage were superfluous. If you've been to Europe and ventured outside of the big cities, you've seen quaint medieval towns. They are all pretty much alike. This tour, however, stopped at three of them. We would have preferred more time in Vienna, where we only had really one day, Linz and Salzberg each only one day to just barely scratch the surface of fabulous histories and attractions! Overall, however, we had a very nice time and would highly recommend AMA Waterways. Read Less

This was our very first experience with a river cruise. We selected Ama based on recommendations both from our travel agent and friends. It was an excellent choice and there's really very little in the way of anything negative to say about the cruise or the cruise line. In terms of the positives, the ship was excellent. It was very well taken care of and well maintained by the crew. The cabins were very nicely appointed, and assuming you pick the right class of cabin, much more room than you might expect on such a small ship (more about that later). The food was just superb... very well done with lots of choice and really something available to eat virtually any time during the day if you're feeling a bit peckish. The specialty dining venue is called the Chef's Table and it truly is something special. You're entitled to eat there once during your cruise (no additional charge) and it's very much a "don't miss" affair. The crew was very attentive and willing to accommodate most any request with a smile. On the negative side, not having done a river cruise before, I think we chose not so well in terms of the cabin that we selected (French Balcony). It was certainly comfortable and quiet, however, the size was fairly restricted. The bed took up the majority of the space in the cabin and in fact trying to walk around the bed often required having to move the desk chair to a different location. If it's affordable, I would definitely recommend at least the next cabin class up where the cabin size and layout seems much more practical. Probably the highlight of the cruise was our cruise director, Peter Whitehead. Pete was a fountain of knowledge and had an wonderful sense of humor evident in his daily briefings and simply when chatting. He took the time to patiently answer all questions and go the extra mile to make sure that passengers got the most out of their excursions and time on the ship. Where Pete really shone in his role was when things went a little off the rails. I managed to fall down a flight of metal stairs and injured my hand and badly bruised a few other places (totally my fault, no issue at all with the ship or crew). Not only did the crew immediately jump on getting first aid, but Pete took ownership of arranging for a doctor's visit, and ultimately a visit to the hospital nearby in Melk for stitching and other "repairs." I can't thank him (and the crew) enough for their help and support. Bottom line, an excellent cruise and cruise line and highly recommended. Read Less

We traveled on AmaWaterways upon the suggestion of the other couple we would be traveling with. They had heard good reviews about Ama. Neither of us had taken a river cruise previously. We all agreed that the river cruise was much better than any of the ocean cruises we had taken. We plan to take another river cruise. We were greeted warmly and our bags were retrieved from the taxi for us. Embarkation was very smooth. Our cabin was nicely appointed (we stayed in an AA cabin on the uppermost cabin deck) and our cabin steward kept us well stocked with bottled water. The bed was super comfy. The bathroom is decently large for a cruise ship and has a full size shower. Due to the size of the ship, 83 cabins, you will get to know most of the staff and passengers. There is only one dining room (open seating) but lighter fare is served in the lounge most of the day. The food was excellent, usually four course meals, along with a good selection of wines. Breakfast was either the well stocked buffet or menu items. All meals had some local tie-in. The boat is very stable, even when small speed boats passed while we were docked. The sun deck was a pleasant place to hang out and watch the passing scenery (we were on the Danube river). The staff were very pleasant and always able to assist. Only one crew member was rude, the Captain. But everyone else was superb so he was easily ignored. The vessel is not handicapped accessible (this is mentioned on the website). Also, this is not a cruise for children as there are no activities specific for them. Most of the passengers ages ranged between 40 and 70. The live musician was a joy, taking requests and keeping us dancing. I missed the string quartet but heard from other passengers that they were excellent. There are no broadway reviews nor is there a casino but those are not the entertainment draw for me so were not missed. The daily excursions are included in the fare with only a few exceptions. They offer city walking tours, hiking tours, and bicycle tours. I took all three types. Walking tours are separated into gentle walkers and active walkers and are led by local guides. My only complaint is that the gentle walkers should not take the active tours or hiking tours, but this is a passenger issue, not a cruise issue. The bicycles are also available if you want to go for a ride on your own (take the paved trail along the north bank of the Danube in Vilshofen, go west for the planetary displays). When needed, motor coaches were provided to get to towns further than walking distance. The coaches were first class. Disembarkation was easy. We took the post-cruise extension (Prague) so the transportation was provided (motor coach). Our Prague hotel was excellent and situated a block from old town. A note about our particular sailing: the Danube river had very low water levels due to the lack of rain in the area. Our captain decided to sail directly to Vienna (water levels were expected to be a little better west of Vienna) after we all boarded. Most of the other river cruise boats stayed in Budapest. We had a few short stops along the way to drop off and pick up passengers who were driven (motor coach) back to Budapest and Bratislava for tours. The itinerary change gave us an extra day in Vienna which was fine by my group. Much better to have sailed than to stay docked all week in Budapest. The remainder of the cruise was as initially scheduled. The cruise director did an excellent job with the changed schedule. Overall an excellent experience. I would definitely recommend AmaWaterways and plan to take another cruise with them. note: I did not use the fitness room so cannot rate it. I walked, hiked, and biked to work off the wine. :-) Read Less

This was my first river cruise, and my husband and I were very impressed. From the excellent service on board to the delicious gourmet meals and multiple shore excursion choices, we felt pampered and relaxed. The ship itself, Ama Serena, is clean and beautifully equipped. There was always something to do, on-board or off. There were interesting talks on the history of the local cities/countries and their wines, lounging poolside, listening to live music, or exploring the cities and shops on shore. Maddy, our tour guide was excellent with her knowledge and advice in planning shore excursions. Dining, particularly the dinners, were fun and excellent. Every detail was attended to, and we weren't ready to leave the ship after the week was over! We would definitely recommend AmaWaterways and would cruise again with them on another trip in the future. Our one complaint would be something many others found frustrating as well, and I'm not sure in this day and age with all the boat traffic on the river that this will improve or change any time soon. Be aware that in some ports and depending on what side your cabin is located, you will dock right next to another ship and you will look directly into the cabins of the neighbor boat. You may not be able to enjoy the views from your window/balcony and will want to keep your drapes drawn. When you disembark to go ashore, you will need to walk through the neighbor ship to get on land. This was particularly obnoxious when a neighboring ship (not AmaWaterways) had their laundry hung up all over their balconies (this only happened one time). I still would recommend getting a balcony room, however, because it is so beautiful to sit outside and watch the countryside go by, and even to experience the locks from your balcony. I really enjoyed going through the locks (we went through 12 of them!), especially at night--it was kind of spooky, but fun to experience. Read Less

Accommodations, crew, food: Impeccable, superb, stellar! Ama has put together a wonderful combination of large and mid size cities along with small villages that provides a wonderful taste of Eastern Europe. Began with pre-cruise extension at the Cosmopolitan hotel in Prague, which was terrific. Be sure to dine in hotel at “Next Door,” their award winning restaurant. Email concierge in advance for necessary reservations. Shipboard, try the intimate chefs table seating. Great guides from AmaWaterways throughout trip. Comfortable coaches for transport as needed (Prague to Danube, certain city tours). Various tour options to suit every fitness level - although cobblestones and steep hills everywhere can be a workout for all. Transfers through AMA meant door to door support. Be sure to advise in advance of allergies or special diet needs - when I advised I couldn’t drink wine with sulfites, they said they would have special-ordered others for me! Be sure to choose AMA trip that ends in Budapest - the Illuminations night cruise is amazing. Special kudos to Capt. Henk, Cruise Manager Sara, Mr Z, Luka, Milos, Milan’s and Georgianne. Only thing we would have done differently - not booked mid summer in the middle of a heat wave! Read Less