Imagine opening the sliding glass doors and listening to the soothing sounds of water rushing by as the scenic Danube River carries you past centuries-old castles and peaceful villages. The sunshine brightly shines on the hilltops and vineyards, all just beyond your open doors, while you sit enjoying your morning coffee. As your journey winds you through multiple countries, the AmaWaterways staff is at your beck and call while the river presents Europe’s charm to you like no other.
AmaWaterways is widely regarded as a luxury river cruise line because of its focus on comfort, personal attention, and elevated travel experiences. With 29 ships sailing in 2025 and two more joining the fleet in 2026, the ships feel like intimate boutique hotels. Guests enjoy spacious staterooms, stylish design touches, and serene public areas that emphasize relaxation without the bustle of large crowds.
Service is highly attentive — crew members get to know guests quickly, making the experience feel warm, seamless, and tailored. Dining is a top-notch experience, with menus inspired by the regions visited and paired with high-quality wines and craft beverages. Wellness is also woven into every journey, from onboard fitness options to active excursions like hiking and biking.
Service is highly attentive — crew members get to know guests quickly, making the experience feel warm, seamless, and tailored. Dining is a top-notch experience, with menus inspired by the regions visited and paired with high-quality wines and craft beverages. Wellness is also woven into every journey, from onboard fitness options to active excursions like hiking and biking.
What truly sets AmaWaterways apart is its approach to cultural immersion: small-group tours, knowledgeable local guides, and itineraries that create a deeper connection to each destination. The result is a river cruise experience that feels refined, enriching, and effortlessly indulgent — luxury expressed through thoughtful details rather than extravagance.
River cruising is becoming increasingly popular – not just among seasoned travelers, but also younger adults and families looking to experience and explore the world and its storied rivers. Many aspects of AmaWaterways river cruise itineraries transcend generational gaps and are highly valued by all age groups for their authentic experiences.
With roots throughout Europe and along distinctive Austrian and German waterways, a passion for river cruising is a part of AmaWaterways’ very DNA. Its heritage on the rivers and the relationships they have forged have enabled them to thoughtfully curate the most authentic itineraries – as well as special experiences exclusive to AmaWaterways guests.
More and more travelers are interested in experiencing a destination through its food and wine. As a member of the prestigious La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs and Tables et Auberges de France culinary societies, AmaWaterways prides itself on providing guests with exquisite regionally inspired cuisine, complimentary fine wine with lunch and dinner, and a variety of included food and wine-themed experiences. With gastronomy as a highlight of the overall river cruise experience, guests can also enjoy a unique included dining experience at The Chef’s Table, where they can watch as an expert chef meticulously prepares a truly exquisite multi-course tasting menu complemented by fine wines.
Complimentary Onboard Wellness Programs are also included for guests.From invigorating group fitness classes led by a professionally trained Wellness Host to guided hikes and bike rides to healthy, locally sourced cuisine, AmaWaterways ensures every guest can enhance their best self while cruising the world’s rivers. Plus, the AmaMagna is the first river cruise ship with a full-sized pickleball court, where guests can take part in a game with their fellow cruisers.
When cruising with AmaWaterways, guests do not have to worry about hidden fees at the end of their itinerary. All dining experiences are included in the river cruise fare, with unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks at lunch and dinner, as well as complimentary drinks during our Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour every evening. All Wellness classes, the use of bicycles on board, and every excursion listed on AmaWaterways’ detailed itineraries are included as well. Every river cruise ship in AmaWaterways’ fleet also provides complimentary Wi-Fi for guests.
AmaWaterways introduces guests to the world, offering unforgettable journeys with a touch of luxury. It was the first major river cruise line to venture through Colombia, the “Land of a Thousand Rhythms.” The Africa itineraries pair a unique cruise aboard Zambezi Queen, an intimate all-suite ship, with land and safari programs that include the UNESCO-designated Victoria Falls, stays at authentic wildlife lodges, unforgettable safaris through national parks, and more. Egypt, with its mighty pharaohs and massive pyramids, sprawling temples and secret tombs, colossal monuments and crowded markets, and cutting through it all, the mysterious Nile River.
Cruise on the Douro River and sail through Portugal’s world-renowned wine region. Journey along the Dutch and Belgianwaterways where history comes alive. Glorious gardens, colorful tulip fields, incredible castles, and iconic windmills await – as do the delicious flavors and aromas of Dutch street fries, Belgian waffles, and chocolates. Experience two diverse countries, Vietnam and Cambodia, along the fabled Nine Dragons River, which flows through nine tributaries that help produce life-giving rice in villages throughout the Mekong Delta, bordered by flourishing forests, lush green hills, and colorful stilt houses.
If that hasn’t gotten your attention, say bonjour to France on one of the incredible itineraries sailing on the Seine, Rhône, Saône, Garonne, and Dordogne rivers. From the legendary wine regions of Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Côtes du Rhône to historic châteaux to the exceptional worlds of artists such as Monet and Van Gogh. Explore the fairytale Rhine River through Switzerland, the Netherlands, Germany, and Luxembourg. With the picturesque Swiss Alps, charming villages, storied castles, and more than 75 museums in Amsterdam alone. Additionally, AmaWaterways was ranked the #1 Danube River cruise line by both Forbes and Travel + Leisure for all types of travelers, including multigenerational families, across all seasons.
As more travelers seek vacations that reflect their passions, AmaWaterways has expanded its specialty river cruise offerings, featuring itineraries for a range of interests. Whether you are craft beer enthusiasts eager to explore Europe’s historic breweries, wellness seekers craving rejuvenation through invigorating active excursions, or history lovers seeking insight from expert guides, these cruises are curated to deliver one-of-a-kind experiences along the rivers.
Debuting in 2026, AmaWaterways announced a new alliance with Smithsonian Journeys, offering enhanced river cruise itineraries throughout Europe. Each departure features two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, ranging from art historians to archaeologists, scientists, and more, who will offer enriching lectures on board.
Recently awarded Cruise Critic’s Best for Active Cruisers award and the first river cruise line to offer a fleet of bicycles, AmaWaterways has long offered opportunities for guests to enhance their best selves on board and on shore. These specially curated Celebration of Wellness sailings are designed for active, goal-oriented travelers.
Guests who want to explore Europe’s storied beer culture can join one of the immersive Celebration of Beer River Cruises. And for wine enthusiasts, more than 80 Celebration of Wine River Cruise departures each year offer a chance to experience Europe’s legendary wine regions in every season, hosted by a wine professional who leads tastings and interactive discussions, accompanies guests on select shore excursions to vineyards and cellars, and helps curate a special food and wine pairing dinner on board.
Select Best of the Danube departures have been enhanced as Celebration of Music sailings, with specially curated excursions highlighting the rich musical history along the Danube. The specially curated Soulful Experiences river cruises shine a light on Black history and culture along the world’s rivers, alongside like-minded travelers. The Latin Touch sailings, Spanish-speaking cruisers can discover fascinating countries and wonderful destinations alongside a Spanish-speaking Cruise Manager. For avid golfers, the Concierge Golf Program is available on select departures, offering a seamless golf experience at up to five championship courses along either the Danube River or France’s Seine River.
