Why I’m Thinking Differently About River Cruises

Truth: I have never been on a cruise.

Until recently, I’d had little interest in ever going on a cruise. I imagined big ships, too many people, lame excursions, and, most importantly, not enough time in a destination. I love to feel immersed in the places I visit and have a lot of time to spend in a single place. However, that means on a one or two week trip, I can visit a handful of places but go deep on each one.

So cruises were obviously not for me.

And then I became a travel advisor and started learning more about cruises. And my curiosity was piqued.

Expedition cruises? Sign me up!

River cruises? Still not sure....

But river cruises can be a really unique way to travel through a destination. One of my host agency’s preferred partners, Ama Waterways, always talks about how river cruises take you through Europe (or Africa or Southeast Asia or Colombia). The rivers are smaller than sailing on the ocean, the ships are smaller and more intimate, and there are long stays in port to allow more time to explore. River cruises can be great for couples, families, and groups.

So what is it about AmaWaterways cruises that I am excited about?

Most people think of river cruises in Europe and AmaWaterways has quite a few different itineraries around the continent, all offering unique experiences. The ships are small with often a  2:1 staff to guest ratio, meaning you will have very personalized service. And most cruises have the option for pre or post cruise stays which can be packaged with the cruise to make things as easy as possible.

Ama’s European sailings cover all of the major rivers and travel through 15 countries.

Choose to sail in early spring and see the tulips come alive in Amsterdam, or travel at the holidays to visit the famous Christmas Markets all around the continent. I’m personally most interested in cruising on the Danube on AmaWaterways’s largest ship (the AmaMagna) and traveling through Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, and through a few smaller Austrian and German cities. 

Culinary Experiences

If you’re into wine (like me), there are specific cruises in Europe focused on wine where you will travel through famous wine regions such as the Douro Valley, Provence, or the Rhine with a special wine host. You’ll be treated to exclusive wine tasting and culinary experiences specific to the region where you’re traveling.

But it’s not just the wine cruises that have something amazing to offer. The food and beverage offerings are top-notch, with a focus on locally sourced products, and everything is included. There won’t be any surprises at the end of your trip since all of your food and drink will be covered in your cruise package.

It’s Not Just Europe

AmaWaterways sails through four continents so if the idea of a European river cruise is not for you (or you've already done it), you’ve got options.

One of the sailings I would love to try is along the Mekong (aka the Nine Dragons River). Located in one of the most beautiful regions on earth, the route runs through Vietnam and Cambodia and is marked by elaborate temples and colorful stilt houses, as well as timeliness traditions passed down from generations. AmaDara, the ship that travels on the Mekong is small, with just 62 staterooms. Expect incredible service as the ship offers a 2:1 staff and guest ratio.

In Africa, you have options to travel through Egypt on the Nile or take a safari and wildlife cruise through Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. The Zambezi Queen takes you on a wildlife experience like none other - traveling along the Chobe River to view wildlife. The ship is designed to be environmentally friendly to its surroundings and has just 14 staterooms. Your excursions will include full-day safaris and you can package your cruise with a land extension in Cape Town or Victoria Falls, for example.

Starting in 2024, AmaWaterways will have two sailings in Colombia, which travel between Cartagena and Barranquilla on the Magdalena river. Whether you’ve been to Colombia before or are interested in visiting for the first time, a river cruise is an exciting way to see local wildlife, explore small towns along the way, and enjoy the rhythms of Colombia.

In addition to their wine cruises, AmaWaterways also offers specialty sailings highlighting Black history and culture in France and Egypt, classical music through Europe, and deep dives into culinary traditions around the world.

Flexibility

My impression of cruises is that there isn’t much flexibility to just do whatever you want. There are specific stops with excursions offered at each, you have to be back on the ship at a certain time…it just doesn’t feel like you can really see a place how you want to see it.

A benefit of the AmaWaterways cruises is the very flexible schedule. There are a few different excursions to choose from at each port (with varying start times so you can sleep in) or you can just choose to explore on your own. And the options include activities like biking or hiking for more active travelers or very relaxed excursions (like a beer and bratwurst tasting). guests can choose to participate in up to nine included bike tours or up to five included hike tours on a 7-night AmaWaterways river cruise?

There is a fleet of bicycles on board so if you’d prefer to explore via bike on your own, you can.

You will have plenty of time to explore at port, but you will also be able to enjoy the landscapes surrounding you from the ship’s roof deck with a pool, bar, loungers, and more (the AmaMagna even has a pickleball court!).

Maybe I’ve gotten you a bit more interested in river cruises…if so, I will highlight a current promotion for 20% off select 2023 and 2024 sailings - I would love to help you find the right cruise whether it’s a last minute trip for this year or planning ahead for next year. And if you’re curious if a river cruise might be right for you (or your family), let’s connect! And 2025 itineraries are now available if you are ready to plan ahead! 

There are a number of preferred river cruise partners that we work with so if you're interested in AmaWaterways or another partner, I’d love to help you start planning!