We chose this cruise because others told us AMA Waterways was good. Not so much.

Food was the worst. When I addressed this with the head chef and his manager, I was told that corporate sent pictures of the food to be presented and they could not change anything. It was obvious that they were more interested in offering excuses than seeking easy problem resolutions. The food and menu gave one the impression of a first-year culinary student trying, unsuccessfully, to imitate a Michelin star restaurant. At one meal they had a Filipino cook killing an Indonesian dish while the Indonesian chef was cooking spaghetti. Small ham and cheese sandwiches were sliced thin enough to read through. With primarily American guests there was no American cold cereal, though I bought some at the first port. I was told that because I was accustomed to the food on Oceania, I would be disappointed. I was. The servers were trying really hard to please the guests but were clearly not properly trained.

Throughout the cruise I saw the captain twice, once at his table (eating by himself and alone at the table) and once on deck. In both instances his demeanor and clothes looked like he'd been up for a few days. Maybe he had. Read more