Why We Pick AmaWaterways as Our #1 River Cruise Line
Hank Schrader, USMA '71, Europe Destination & Europe River Cruise Expert
Anne Schrader, Certified Travel Counselor & Certified Luxury Cruise Specialist
As you may know, we are always being asked to differentiate between the various river cruise companies. All 7 lines we follow offer great vacations and will provide most of their guests a better vacation than many other options. I like to say, there is no bad river cruise, they are all wonderful vacations and a superb choice to experience Europe.
But when you are spending north of $10,000 for a 7-day cruise for 2, many folks want to know how the various lines compare and if one line might provide better quality and value for their vacation.
So, let’s explore this together and learn about why we pick AmaWaterways as our #1 river cruise line by examining 6 factors we consider important to help us make our selection.
Overview
Perhaps you might wonder why our opinion matters and what credentials we have to make this rating. Since we specialize in European River Cruising, we have studied this vacation in depth after our first river cruise in 2009. We have been on 21 river cruises (always having to pay unlike many travel writers who go for free) and will take 2 more this year in 2022. We have sold river cruises on 5 of the 7 lines we follow to dozens of delighted clients.
We have led 10 groups on river cruises. We have written over 100 blogs about river cruising. We have the number one Google article about comparing 7 river cruise companies—over 16,131 have found it on the internet from 2020 to present as of 8 June of 2022. We make every effort to provide as many facts as possible in this 87 PDF slide presentation and clearly provide sources or tell you it is our opinion. We have written port guides to 51 different European River Ports.
We use all of this knowledge and experience to evaluate all 7 lines and try to match you to the right line if you decide to use us as your travel advisors.
A Summary of Why AmaWaterways is # 1
I think I really understand what makes an organization perform at the highest levels. It is a combination of good leaders, staff that care and do their job in a superb manner and a fantastic product (great food and wine, luxury accommodations and well-designed excursions and experiences). AmaWaterways is this and more.
So, now, let’s examine 6 factors that we would like you to consider when selecting a river cruise company for your vacations and see how AmaWaterways rates.
They Provide Unique Experiences
Our clients and potential clients want options when they travel. They want to interact with different cultures. AmaWaterways really delivers many unique experiences on their fleet of 25 ships.
In every port, you can expect to have 2-3 or more excursions that are included in the cruise fare. They are tours that delight—small groups led by knowledgeable guides, organized by pace (gentle, regular, fast, and even late-risers) that help you experience a destination, not just see it. But even this is not enough—they also shine in unique experiences.
Here are just two examples:
They excel in Special Interest Tours. These tours are specially designed to give small groups an opportunity to be even more immersed in the places they are visiting. Best of all, these tours are included in the cruise fare—there is no extra charge! Popular options include a Belgian waffle and chocolate tasting in Antwerp, a beer and sausage tour in Nuremberg, or a chance to see Vienna’s hidden treasures, like the romantic Schönlaterngasse.
We have done the waffle tasting and the sausage and beer tour—both were awesome!
Belgian waffle and chocolate tasting in Antwerp
Hank enjoys a beer and sausage tour in Nuremberg—these are the famous Nuremberg sausages which are wonderful grilled
Anne also helped make a traditional pierogies in Bratislava—it was a fun experience.
Anne cooking in Bratislava
We have had clients participate in the Vienna tour and they really liked it (one great benefit for us—we discovered a great schnitzel restaurant which we managed to eat at because of their tour—it was the largest schnitzel I’ve ever seen, and just melted in our mouths—a neat experience!).
Special Interest Tours are also a great option for a cruiser who is sailing on the same route a second or third time—it provides a new experience that enhances your trip. Along with the Bratwurst and beer tasting at the oldest brewery in Nuremberg described above, here are 2 other unique culinary experiences:
Learning how to knot a bretzel (German for pretzel) at a German bakery
Sampling regional specialties at the Les Halles market in Lyon (we have been on this tour—it is excellent).
Les Halles market in Lyon
They have over 60 special wine cruises each year—the most of any river cruise line.
One of our 2 Travel Chums,, Mark Thomas preparing for the Ledson Wine Cruise with the staff.
Hank during on of the wine tasting sessions
There are also wonderful wine tasting events during excursions like we enjoyed together on our Colors of Provence cruise
AmaWaterways likes to say that they “Personalize Every Step of Your Journey.” We completely agree.
Casual but Elegant Luxury
Lifestyles have changed to more casual approach, but many still want refined experiences during their travels. Although no formal attire is the norm on their ships, the accommodations are elegant without being over the top. It truly is a 5-star floating hotel.
The lounge area
There is a small outside area at the bow of the ship
The wonderful reception area and staff. The area is manned 24 hours a day.
There are 2 wine room dining areas on the 135 meter ships.
Many of the staterooms have twin balconies, with a French Balcony (sliding glass door) and a full outside balcony that Anne and I often enjoy a bottle of wine during our cruises.
Twin Balcony Inside view
An outside balcony sitting area
There are nice touches like the “Sip & Sail” included cocktail hour.
The vibe is friendly but sophisticated yet with full modern comforts. Other venues on the ship reflect the same attention to detail as the staterooms.
Excellent Cuisine
The food on AmaWaterways has always been rated as the best by many travel writers and industry folks who evaluate river cruises.
The main dining room serves most of the meals you will eat on board these river ship. Breakfast and lunch used to be buffet style with options to order off the menu, but now all items are served to guests.
Most days I select the Eggs Benedict along with complimentary unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juices to start my day. All breads are freshly baked every day and they even make homemade ice cream for dessert at lunch.
Every evening on the dinner menu (a 4-course affair of an appetizer, a soup or salad course, a main course and dessert), there are 3 Entrée’s choices—usually a meat dish, a fish dish, and a vegetarian option—all are excellent! Here are some of our meals—they were impressive!
A fish course in the main dining room
There is an Always Available Menu that features a steak, a grilled chicken breast, and a vegetarian or pasta option.
The Always Available Steak
The lunch and dinner meals feature a white and red wine from the region you are sailing through, and they change daily (not every river cruise lines changes wines every day or offers included wine and beer). There is also beer and other beverages.
In Europe, each AMA ship has the chef’s table specialty restaurant. This program began in 2012. This small dining venue (usually no more than 28 guests) features a kitchen where your meal is prepared right in front of you.
This shows the Chef’s Table area—in the background is the kitchen area. It is a wonderful experience.
This unique menu is paired with carefully selected fine wines. It is truly a great experience.
The fish course in the Chef’s Table
The meat course at the chef’s table
AmaWaterways spends more than most other river cruise lines on the food and wines, and it shows, especially in this unique dining venue. We always go during our cruises and always arrange for the groups we led to dine together—it’s always a superb experience!
AmaWaterways is the first and only river cruise line member of the invitation-only La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, one of the world’s most prestigious culinary organizations.
Wellness
Most of our folks who travel with us believe that travel should provide them opportunities to improve their mental and physical health. Again, it is clear to us they are the best company for wellness.
Your mental health is improved as you get the chance to remove the stress of everyday living by being pampered, seeing and participating in new experiences and places, while in comfort. While there is a structured program, you can do as little or as much as you want and that alone is a stress reliever. Here are some great places onboard to relax:
Maybe you would like to relax in the Library with a book or a drink
Perhaps you might want to go for a dip in the pool
Perhaps a relaxing time with a bottle of wine on the top deck—even in winter we enjoy it. Mark Thomas posed for this picture for me.
The physical health aspect of your wellness on your cruise is a factor no other cruise line can match. AmaWaterways added a wellness host on every sailing by expanding the program they started in 2017.
We got an early look at the program on a winter cruise with the onboard wellness host, Selena on the AmaKristina. It was particularly good—as I have earned a master’s Degree in Physical Fitness, I think I have the credentials to properly evaluate the program.
Let me be clear—it is robust, fun and I was taken back about how many different activities were offered—it by far is the best fitness program on the Europe rivers by any company!
Among the features: They offer stretching, Yoga, resistance bands, core exercises, bike tours and jogging tours.
All are professionally led—Marcello, from Portugal (in the yellow jacket below), was our onboard wellness host and he did an outstanding job on the AmaKristina in 2019!
The Alts ready for a ride with the Wellness Host Marcello
Selena, now the overall director of the program, has created a wonderful addition to Europe River cruising on every ship sailing in this region—well done!
AmaWaterways has designed special hikes that will take you a bit off the beaten path in some incredibly beautiful destinations. Examples include making your way up to Dürnstein Fortress (splendid views of the Wachau Valley ) or walking the Philosopher’s Path in Heidelberg (an optional tour around the famous castle area).
Dürnstein Fortress provides splendid views of the Wachau Valley after your hike.
AmaWaterways carries a fleet of bicycles on board (they are free of charge), so you can see Europe’s enchanting scenery on riverside pathways while getting some exercise. They dock close to many city centers and small towns, where you can ride along with the locals.
Bikes at the ready for guests
Options are to ride on your own, which has always been available since we started cruising in 2009, or join one of their exclusive guided tours, like a trek along the beautiful Danube River in Austria’s Wachau Valley.
Anne took this picture of the bike riders in the Wachau Valley on a bike ride while we sailed past them on our ship—this is one of the best rides in all of Europe.
This guided tour concept is new, and we have had clients who love these tours. These are now led by the on-board wellness host and have 2 guides.
We have had clients take a ride along the scenic shores of the Inn River in Passau and along the banks of the Mosel around Cochem. Both reported, it was fun and a great experience. We also rode into Wurzburg on our own and really enjoyed our short ride—the bikes are very good, and it was fun.
Exemplary Service
If you desire personal attention in a casual manner, AmaWaterways excels in this regard.
All the folks who work at AmaWaterways look to exceed your expectations—the culture of the company is consistent excellence, always improving and a genuine desire to make your vacation the best possible. It is amazing how both clients and travel professionals talk about their experiences with AmaWaterways—words like friendly, proactive, professional, caring, and cool always seem to be used to describe their experiences.
Our Welcome reception on our Tulip Time Cruise with the Captain, the Hotel Manager and the cruise director Maddy
You know this company is on the right track when positive words, unsolicited, are used in interactions with others when talking about river cruise companies and AmaWaterways usually receives highly positive accolades.
Kris, our cruise manager, dressed up as Snow White, greeted us back from a tour on Halloween.
Kata (the cruise manager) Anne in her dirndl (the traditional dress worn in the German speaking areas of the Alps) and Carman from the bar staff
Anne with our friend Lazlo during German Fest
You are a guest that instantly becomes family—veteran cruisers often look for crew members who took care of them on past cruises. Some are even Facebook friends.
Our favorite Bar staff—from left to right Peter, Miro and Tomas.
It is a genuinely warm, welcoming, and fully professional staff. Every effort is to enhance your comfort, your experience, and the trip. They care and it shows.
The crew shares a laugh with me and my West Point Classmate Jeff in 2018!
A few of the many awesome waiters we have sailed with—they are always over the top good!
Anne created this picture—we always have fun on our cruise and she added this special effects after taking this picture—pretty darn cool, in my opinion!
Trust me, you will fondly remember the staff. If I was only allowed to pick one factor that is a difference factor among river cruise lines, it would be the staff at AmaWaterways—each performs their role superbly!
Quality and Value
To us, enrichment from your travels, means experiences that provide quality and value and are the most important considerations for choosing a river cruise company. It is not about price alone, trying to get the cheapest trip—price does not determine quality, nor does it determine value.
In the previous 5 sections, we have tried to tell why we rate AmaWaterways #1. They provide unique experiences; it is casual but elegant; it has excellent, award-winning cuisine; it has the best wellness program on the rivers of Europe and the service is exemplary—you really become part of the AmaWaterways family. Some of the other lines we rate also have good programs but do not excel in all 5 of these areas.
A toast to you from both of us—let us help you experience this great cruise line and have the same type of experiences and fun as we have had!
To us, it is the quality and value that is just right—not too lean or too fancy; not the least costly cruise but also not the most expensive. They really under promise and over deliver.
Our Final Thoughts
We hope you enjoyed this report. It was fun writing about AmaWaterways—I probably tell their story 2-3 times a week over the phone to potential clients.
I should also mention that in these difficult times, AmaWaterways has managed to keep the standards as high as in the past and as advisors, they are the easiest company to work with for the benefit of our clients. We have full faith they will continue to deliver the same excellence as in the past and our guests who have sailed with them this year report all is going well and their vacations were outstanding.
We are travel experts, ocean and river cruise specialists, and Europe destination experts. We have first-hand knowledge of almost anywhere you want to visit in Europe. We know our products and the vendors who sell them to you. We have designed special tours for dozens of clients, led several and will continue to find just the right vacation that will exceed your expectations.
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!
ANNE has earned a degree from the University of Houston in Hotel and Restaurant Management. Serving as the President of Visit Dream Destinations, LLC, since 2016, she is uniquely experienced professional travel advisor with over 26 years’ experience in the travel industry. Among her numerous certifications, she is a Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) by the Travel Institute, considered the gold standard in travel agent certification and she is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC) by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), as well Luxury Cruise Specialist also from CLIA. Having traveled often to Europe since 1989, she has expanded on her certification as a Destination Specialist in Western Europe (DS) with extensive first-hand experience in luxury vacations. She holds numerous other specialty designations from individual vendors. An expert photographer, she delights in capturing the true essence of destinations to share with all.
HANK is a certified Western European Destination Specialist (DS) who has been traveling to Europe for 51 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
