Just Back: Cruising the Rhine

The Cologne Cathedral

I returned this past Monday from nine days in Europe—most of which were spent sailing along the Rhine River aboard the AmaVenita. This was my second European river cruise, but my first with AmaWaterways, and it was nothing short of wonderful.

While I’ve already shared what I enjoy about river cruising in general, this trip gave me fresh insight and a few standout highlights worth sharing—plus some key takeaways for travelers considering a river cruise of their own.

The Itinerary

We sailed the Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles itinerary, beginning in Amsterdam and making stops in Germany, France, and Switzerland. One of the most magical moments was cruising through the Rhine River Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site lined with over 40 storybook castles.

Even though I had visited some of these destinations before, it was such a treat to see them again from a new vantage point—literally sailing past their medieval towers from the river.

The Onboard Experience

One of the best parts of river cruising is how effortless it feels. Once you’re onboard, everything flows—literally and figuratively.

With a relaxed pace and fewer than 156 guests, the AmaVenita offered a calm, convivial atmosphere. We spent our downtime napping on the sundeck, playing cards in the lounge, and chatting with new friends over after-dinner drinks.

And while we were among the youngest passengers, it didn’t matter in the slightest. We met wonderful people of all ages—some traveling as couples, others in groups—and by the end of the week, it truly felt like a floating community.

The service is incredible - each and everyone of the staff members we interacted with was so friendly and helpful. You can truly feel at home while onboard.

The Flexibility

One of the biggest advantages of a river cruise is how flexible it is compared to an ocean cruise. You can pre-select excursions, but changes are easy to make last-minute—and since all excursions are included, there’s no stress about cancellation fees or add-on costs.

For example, we decided to skip organized tours in Ludwigshafen and explore Mannheim on our own. Despite visiting on a national holiday when most shops were closed, we still managed to enjoy the art museum and wander through town before returning for a refreshing swim in the ship’s pool.

Later, in Breisach, we joined the excursion bus to Basel but opted to explore the city independently instead of joining the group tour. That kind of freedom is ideal for travelers who love structure—but still want the option to go off-script.

The Excursions

The guided tours themselves were excellent—particularly the two bike excursions, which were absolute highlights. We pedaled along the Rhine and through vineyards in Rüdesheim one day, then through Strasbourg’s charming historic center the next.

Cycling between villages, we got to experience the landscape up close, with local guides sharing fascinating stories about the culture and history of each region.

The Food

We never once went hungry! From breakfast to tea time to happy hour and dinner, there was always something delicious to enjoy.

AmaWaterways’ menus are locally inspired, with wines sourced from the surrounding regions. We indulged in German specialties like bratwurst and sauerkraut (my personal favorite lunch), sipped Rüdesheimer coffee as we cruised past castles, and savored an indulgent French dinner as we entered Alsace.

For something extra special, don’t miss The Chef’s Table, AmaWaterways’ intimate tasting restaurant. With fewer than 30 guests and a seven-course menu, it’s a front-row seat to culinary artistry—an experience that felt truly memorable.

Final Thoughts

River cruising offers the perfect blend of ease, discovery, and connection. With all the logistics handled for you, it’s a seamless way to explore multiple countries while still savoring each moment along the way.

If you’ve ever wondered whether a river cruise might be right for you—or if you’re curious about the AmaWaterways experience—I’d love to help you plan your journey. Let’s make your next European adventure as effortless and unforgettable as this one.