AmaWaterways vs Tauck River Cruises

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, active and genuinely enjoyable, AmaWaterways delivers an experience that stays with them long after they return home.

What rivers do AmaWaterways explore?

Our 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 read more ship 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, unlimited 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 experiences 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 available are a little 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.

Why should we cruise with Tauck?

We asked Tauck why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...

We believe that when you travel, you should never settle for ordinary. You deserve to travel in good company, with someone who cares. We believe that good value sells itself – you should get what you pay for, and then some, in one upfront price with virtually everything included. Leave your worries at home; we take on all the planning, all the logistics. To you, it’s peace of mind travel, to us, it’s 90+ years of integrity.

Wherever we travel, we’re all about taking you to explore the world’s treasures….discover people and cultures you may not read more have known existed…and experience extraordinary, life-changing moments. Since 1925, we’ve built our company on the personal referrals and recommendations of our guests. We can think of no higher testament to our journeys and commitment to customer satisfaction – and no better way to tell you what we do than through their words.

What rivers do Tauck explore?

Our thoughts...

The low down on Tauck from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

New to the Australian market in 2017, Tauck actually began operating in the US more than 90 years ago. Today they offer premium river cruises, land tours, small ship cruises, family adventures and small group journeys around the world. Tauck are renowned for the quality and inclusiveness of their trips, whether on land or water, so you can almost leave your wallet at home – don’t actually do that – knowing most things are taken care of. While the majority of their guests come from North America, the feedback we’ve received from the Aussies and Kiwis we’ve arranged trips for has been overwhelmingly positive.

Who are we likely to meet on a Tauck river cruise?

Predominantly mature, well-travelled couples and solo travellers seeking a highly inclusive premium river cruise, with guests mainly from North America and other English-speaking markets.

Do Tauck river cruises suit solo-travellers?

Tauck waives the single supplement on Category 1 cabins on every European river cruise departure and also offers reduced solo pricing in selected higher categories.

How inclusive are Tauck's river cruises?

Highly inclusive fares cover accommodation, all onboard meals and snacks, unlimited beverages including premium spirits, all shore excursions, exclusive experiences, WiFi, transfers, port charges, taxes and all customary gratuities.

Are there any extras to pay on top of the price shown?

You'll need to pay for spa treatments, laundry and valet services.

Do Tauck include shore excursions?

Yes. All shore excursions are included.

What types of excusions are available?

Tauck provides a choice of privately guided small-group excursions, exclusive cultural experiences and destination sightseeing, with an average of around 15 guests per local guide ashore.

Are there any onboard activities or entertainment?

The onboard programme is relatively relaxed and destination-focused, with local musicians, singers and dancers, lectures, social activities and fitness facilities. The main emphasis remains on the destinations and extensive included sightseeing ashore.

What are the cabins like on Tauck's river ships?

Accommodation ranges from approximately 150 to 180-square-foot lower-category staterooms through to larger cabins and Tauck Suites of around 300 square feet. Many cabins have French balconies, and around two-thirds of Tauck's European riverboat cabins are at least 225 square feet.