Cruising the AmaMora in August 2021

By Hank Schrader, USMA ’71, Europe Destination & Europe River Cruise Expert

www.dreamdestinations.com

As I began to write this, I’m on the AmaMora on the Rhine. It is our first trip on this river ship, but it already feels like home—we have sailed on 19 Europe river cruises and this is our 18th cruise with AmaWaterways . There are 53 guests onboard on a ship that can handle 167 in normal times:

We have sailed with at least 5 of the crew in the past, and the AmaWaterways family really glad to see us again—we quickly start laughing and friendly banter of good times even though the crew is never permitted to remove their masks except for pictures.

The Route

Our cruise started in Basel, Switzerland and ended in Amsterdam, Netherlands. We have sailed this direction downstream 3 times and upstream twice. The amazing scenery has not changed much—the Rhine River Gorge and its’ over 30 castles is probably the best stretch of sights in all of Europe on any European River. The gorge is a UNESCO World Heritage site, so there are no bridges to interrupt the views.

On the Rhine River Gorge, with castles dotting almost every hill, and it is like turning back the hands of time to the age of land barons, defending their turf and collecting tolls for passage.

But I managed to get ahead of myself—this cruise will port in 4 different countries. We started in Basel, after 3 days in Switzerland staying in Lucerne, and a day visit to Bern.

Then we were off to France—Strasbourg and Riquewihr. The tour to Riquewihr was very good but you are required to wear masks on the bus and during the guided tour. I went off on my own and used my mask part of the time if an area got crowded.

Riquewihr

Strasbourg

In Strasbourg, Anne and I used the AmaWaterways tour bus to get to the old town city center. We had to wear masks on the bus. It was about a 20 minute ride. I was a little surprised by how many people were out—some wore masks even outside. To go in a store, you must wear a mask.

To eat in a restaurant, we had to show our passports and vaccination certificates to be seated. The waiters wore masks. France just announced a health vaccine app download but our documents were fine.

We ate at a small café outside. We had some local cold beers (the temperature was 87 degrees) and flammkuchen (flatbread pizza bacon, cheese and an onion sauce). This is an Alsacien speciality and very tasty!

Strasbourg half timbered buildings with the Dom Steeple

Some tours in Rudesheim

Niederwaldd Monument (commemorating the unification of Germany)

Outside Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Museum —a tour option

Cruising the Rhine River Gorge

Pfalzgrafenstein toll fort with Burg Gutenfels in the background

Lahneck Castle tour

We took a quick bus ride up to the castle. We had to wear masks during the entire tour.

Cruising towards Cologne

Remagan Bridge ruins. This bridge was captured by the allies during WW II and allowed tanks to cross the Rhine before it collapsed.

Cologne

Here is a brief day by day description of our tour stops:

In Germany, Heidelberg and Speyer, were the morning tours and after an afternoon sail, we arrived in Rüdesheim for a night visit.

The Monday morning tours options are a gondola ride in Rudesheim, or a hike or bike tour; then sailing the Rhine River Gorge and it’s wonderful castles and a special tour of Lahneck Castle.

On Tuesday we were in Cologne.

We ended in Amsterdam on Wednesday.

All are great stops.

What are the Onboard Programs?

The wellness program and the Sip ‘n’ Sail cocktail hour just before dinner continue strong. Both are real hits in our opinion with guests.

While most who know me well, would say my favorite change is the new included Sip ‘n’ Sail free cocktail hour, but, I was most impressed with the wellness program (I got to learn first-hand about this program on our summer cruise on the AmaCerto in 2018). The wellness program was on 6 ships for the 2018 season and it is now on all the AmaWaterways river cruise vessels.

The wellness person, will conduct stretching classes, yoga, core strengthening classes and lead bike rides. Based on what I saw again this summer, what impressed me most that it was all age appropriate, scientifically sound, and the response on board the 6 roll out vessels has been very good. As a former nationally certified physical fitness instructor in college and for sports teams, it was interesting to see how well the programs were conducted and how the cruisers enjoyed adding a little fitness to their daily routine last summer.

Another great feature is the Sip ‘n’ Sail program. Free (included) drinks prior to dinner is a great idea and well received by guests. Wine, beer and a good selection of well drinks—even martinis are included. Great improvement!

What remains the Same With a Few New Procedures?

Anne always reminds me that consistency is the key to great travel. On AmaWaterways, the good things remain the same or are slightly better than past cruises.

Food and service is excellent—always well planned meals.

All meals are served and each guest has assigned seating. Each morning there is a temperature check just before going into the dining room. You wear a mask until you sit down at the table. Now all items are ordered off the menu—there is a great variety and a special each morning.
If you want to sleep in or want a light breakfast, here is what was available one morning on the AmaMora.

Here are some breakfast pictures:

Fruit table items served by wait staff to guests

Here are some lunch pictures

Dinner photos

Our wonderful dining room service staff wearing their Chaîne des Rôtisseurs aprons

Lunch is available in two locations. In the lounge, there are hamburgers, wraps and sandwiches.

Most guests eat in the main dining room. Again, you sit at your assigned table, and order off the menu.

Every evening on the dinner menu (a 4 course affair of an appetizer, a soup course, a main course and dessert) there are 3 Entrée’s—usually a meat dish, a fish dish and a vegetarian option.—all are excellent!

There is an Always Available Menu that features a steak, a grilled chicken breast or a vegetarian or pasta option.The meal features a white and red wine from the region you are sailing on, and they change daily (not every river cruise lines changes wines every day).

Each year, the included (yes, no extra charge) Chef’s Table menu changes. I liked the meal this year, and the wonderful view from the stern of our river ship. It is the little extras that make the difference—the Chef’s Table remains a hit.

Bar service is outstanding and the wines were particularly good with meals. It still amazes me how generous the pours are by the bar staff—the idea is to give you enough and not too much.

I can’t say enough about the crew—they work 18 hour days, and every detail is about making your vacation better.

Our Cruise Experience

We are traveling during COVID-19 and some new procedures are in place that I have highlighted in this blog. It really wasn’t much different except for the masks.

We felt very safe and it was a great trip!

My Final Thoughts

When folks find out we have sailed this route before, they want to know why—wouldn’t it be boring?

Our response —it never is! You can’t see it all on the first trip and when you consider the different seasons, it changes. Spring brings new life, summer is full of flowers and green trees, autumn is ablaze with color and Christmas is a festival not to be missed.

These are wonderful places to visit and we hope one day you will let us plan a trip to one or all of these great places. AmaWaterways has the right procedures to protect you in our opinion.

When you are spending your hard earned money for a vacation, you want an advisor who can match you with the right trip. You want someone who will understand your expectations and fuel your anticipation (or excitement) to get you the best possible trip experience. And, you want someone who can help you with the decision making process. We think we have all these qualities.

Whatever your Dream Destinations are, we are here to help you get the best possible vacation based on what is important to you! We will provide you high quality, expertly planned travel. Please give me a call 713-397-0188 (Hank) or email me at hschrader@dreamdestinations.com. We want to help you: Savor life…make memories…Visit Dream Destinations! Your journey begins here!

HANK is a certified Western European Destination Specialist (DS) who has been traveling to Europe for 50 years. He is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC), conferred by the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA). This recognized expert in cruise and leisure travel is a retired Army Officer, and taught World Geography for 8 years. He is a `71 graduate of West Point and has earned 2 master’s degrees. His other Certifications:

AmaWaterways River Cruise Specialist
Viking River Cruise Specialist
Scenic River Cruise Specialist
Emerald Waterways Specialist
Avalon Waterways Specialist
Brit Agent

Cruising on the AmaMora in August 2021

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