Why should we cruise with AmaWaterways?
We asked AmaWaterways why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...
Founded in 2002, AmaWaterways is a global river cruise brand with a wonderfully personal feel. Guests from around the world share the experience, while English is the language used for onboard announcements and activities, making it easy to feel at home and connect with fellow travellers.
That sense of welcome begins with the crew. Their attentive service and the warm, relaxed atmosphere make the ship a pleasure to return to after each day ashore.
The destinations are a huge part of the appeal. AmaWaterways offers river journeys through Europe, read more Asia, Colombia and Egypt, as well as journeys in Southern Africa. The choice of included shore experiences is a real strength. You can explore local history and culture, discover regional food and wine, or choose a more active outing such as a guided walk or bike ride. With multiple, included shore experiences, from cultural, culinary or active, it’s easy for everyone to experience a destination in their own way.
Back on board, locally inspired dining and welcoming spaces give everyone time to unwind and share stories from the day. The details are thoughtfully taken care of, while guests have the freedom to make the journey their own.
For travellers looking for a river cruise that feels personal, enriching and genuinely enjoyable, AmaWaterways delivers an experience that stays with them long after they return home.
What rivers do AmaWaterways explore?
Africa Asia Europe NileAmaWaterways snapshot
Total No. River Cruises
Departures
Avg. cruise length
Avg. price per day (by cabin type)
No. of Ships
All-Inclusive LevelOur thoughts...
The low down on AmaWaterways from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...
AmaWaterways is a renowned luxury river cruise line offering premium cruises across Europe’s great rivers as well as in Asia, Africa and more recently in South America! Until only recently, APT and Travelmarvel chartered AmaWaterways' ships for their river cruises, but that changed in 2025 when AmaWaterways setup operations in Australia. So many Aussies and Kiwis have already experienced being on board an Ama ship, but just under a different name!
Known for their spacious staterooms - many with signature twin balconies - and a strong focus on wellness, active excursions and personal service. With a wide variety of itineraries, innovative ship read more design and attention to detail from embarkation to disembarkation, AmaWaterways premium inclusive cruises stand out for thier blend of comfort, service and destination-rich cruise experiences.
Who are we likely to meet on a AmaWaterways river cruise?
A wide variety of travellers from around the world, generally aged 50+, including couples, solo travellers, active travellers and multi-generational groups. They have solo, twin, triple, quad and interconnecting rooms on many of their ships. People of all ages enjoy travelling with AmaWaterways.
Do AmaWaterways river cruises suit solo-travellers?
Yes. AmaWaterways welcomes solo travellers and offers reduced or waived single supplements on selected sailings and cabin categories. Four ships in France offer dedicated solo cabins with no single supplement. The first day of each cruise, AmaWaterways ask for the solo travellers to meet at reception for a ship tour by the Captain, or First Officer to meet each other in a relaxed setting.
How inclusive are AmaWaterways' river cruises?
Fares include accommodation, all onboard meals, WiFi, shore excursions in every port, free wellness classes daily, premium regional wines, beers and soft drinks with meals and during Cocktail Hour, you have access to unlimited cocktails or mocktails, to give you time to catch up with fellow guests. Australasian cruise fares also include gratuities for both ship crew and local guides.
Are there any extras to pay on top of the price shown?
Additional costs include top self beverages, plus drinks outside of meals & Cocktail Hour and spa and salon treatments. In Europe, there is only one optional tour - the Classical Music experience in Vienna - which costs extra. In all other regions, shore excursions are included. AmaWaterways offers a variety of pre & post cruise packages, where there are optional excursions if you wish to purchase them.
Do AmaWaterways include shore excursions?
Yes. Shore excursions are included in every port, with guided sightseeing, walking tours, hiking and cycling experiences depending on the destination. You're provided with a choice of up to 6 shore excursions per day, giving you the widest variety of shore experiences of any river cruise line.
What types of excusions are available?
AmaWaterways offers more choice of included shore excursions in Europe than any other river cruise line, with multiple options available on many days. Choose from city tours, cultural experiences, wine tastings, guided hikes and bike rides, often with different activity levels. In destinations such as the Mekong, Colombia and Africa, shore excursions are also included, although the choices avaialabe are be more limited.
Are there any onboard activities or entertainment?
Activities include daily fitness and wellness classes on many ships, swimming pools or whirlpools, walking tracks, fitness rooms, live entertainment and lounges. European ships also carry complimentary bicycles for guided or independent exploration ashore.
What are the cabins like on AmaWaterways' river ships?
All staterooms and suites offer river views, with accommodation ranging from picture-window cabins to French-balcony and balcony staterooms. Many of their European ships feature AmaWaterways' signature twin balconies combining a French balcony with an outside balcony.
The suites, besides being bigger, offer additional amenities including laundry, mini bar and personalised stewards. Every room on board AmaWaterways also has a Nespresso machine. And plentiful storage space.
Recent AmaWaterways reviews
Every night the App was updated with the next days program, so you had it well in advance. Champagne was available at breakfast and the wines were readily available with lunch and dinner with a great selection from the local areas. A daily Sip & Sail 1 hr cocktail party is provided every night with music and from what we experienced, there were no limitations at all!
The Daily Cruiser provided by the very professional Cruise Manager, Tamas, not only contains the daily program but also weather forecasts, ship phone numbers and cruise managers email & phone number so one was never not able to contact the ship and personnel if they were ever needed.
All meals were provided with incredible choices – buffet breakfast and lunches and A La Carte dinners. Service was always fast, polite and fun. The included Chefs Table (no surcharge) is a 8 course dinner with fine premium wines and excellent service bookable in advance whilst on board. There is also a gym on board, massage room and a wellness host offering a numerous array of activities on ship and land using the provided bicycles and walking sticks.
Complimentary recyclable water containers and water is provided as well as high quality WIFI. Gratuities are all included as well.
All tours are included and offered and run professionally with knowledgeable local guides. I did the Cesky Krumlov tour from Linz, which was certainly a highlight. As was the new tour of the Mauthausen nazi concentration camp. In conclusion, I can say without a doubt this AmaWaterways trip which was run so professionally was superior in all aspects to any other river cruise I have taken – we were kept fully informed of daily activities etc well in advance, provided with beautiful accommodations, great food and wines and service throughout.
AmaWaterways' most popular trips this month...
Why should we cruise with Emerald?
We asked Emerald why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...
Experience relaxed luxury and authentic adventures with Emerald Cruises. Enjoy exceptional inclusions along Europe’s iconic rivers and the Mekong on our river ships and cruise by luxury yacht through the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Caribbean, Central America, Seychelles, Indian Ocean and the Red Sea.
From the enticing rivers of Europe and Southeast Asia, to the vibrant coastlines of the Caribbean and Mediterranean, and inspiring landscapes of Canada and Japan, each journey is designed to connect you meaningfully with your destination. On shore, read more enjoy cultural encounters and interactive experiences, guided walks, bike tours and more - always with your comfort and curiosity in mind.
What rivers do Emerald explore?
Asia Caribbean & Bahamas Europe Med, Adriatic & GreeceEmerald snapshot
Total No. River CruisesDeparturesAvg. cruise lengthAvg. price per day (by cabin type)No. of ShipsAll-Inclusive LevelOur thoughts...
The low down on Emerald from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...
Emerald Cruises offer, part of the Scenic Group, offer a premium alternative to its luxury sister brand. Emerald is to Scenic what Travelmarvel is to APT, with fewer inclusions and a lower price point than their luxury counterparts. The Emerald fleet operates river ships along the waterways of Europe and Asia and in 2022 they launched their first of five luxury small ships that cruise the oceans aroudn the world.
With Emerald can expect generous inclusions like meals, airport transfers, gratuities and a selection of excursions so you can simply relax and enjoy the journey, knowing everything you need is taken care of.
Who are we likely to meet on a Emerald river cruise?
Experienced travellers seeking a relaxed, premium river cruise with included sightseeing, local experiences and a contemporary onboard style.
Do Emerald river cruises suit solo-travellers?
Yes. Emerald actively caters for solo travellers with dedicated single staterooms on selected European ships and reduced or waived single supplements on selected departures.
How inclusive are Emerald's river cruises?
Fares include accommodation, all onboard meals, wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, WiFi, almost-daily shore excursions, EmeraldPLUS and EmeraldACTIVE experiences, transfers, port charges and gratuities both onboard and onshore.
Are there any extras to pay on top of the price shown?
Additional costs include optional DiscoverMORE excursions, alcoholic and premium beverages outside the included lunch and dinner selection, upgraded drinks packages and spa treatments.
Do Emerald include shore excursions?
Yes. Guided excursions are included almost every day, together with EmeraldPLUS cultural experiences and EmeraldACTIVE activities. Optional DiscoverMORE excursions cost extra.
What types of excusions are available?
Guests can choose from included guided sightseeing, EmeraldPLUS cultural experiences and more active EmeraldACTIVE options such as hiking and cycling. Additional DiscoverMORE excursions are available for purchase.
Are there any onboard activities or entertainment?
Facilities and activities include lounges, live entertainment, fitness areas, wellness activities, a Sun Deck and depending on the ship, an indoor heated pool that converts into a cinema. Complimentary bicycles are also available on most European ships for exploration ashore.
What are the cabins like on Emerald's river ships?
Accommodation ranges from river-view staterooms to panorama balcony suites and larger Owner's Suites. Many suites feature Emerald's all-weather balcony system, while selected European Star-Ships also have dedicated single staterooms.
