AmaWaterways Cruises

What sailing with AmaWaterways is really like

AmaWaterways puts you on the water in a way that ocean ships simply cannot — docking in the heart of cities like Budapest and stepping off directly onto cobbled streets, medieval waterfronts and local markets. The pace is unhurried, the scenery scrolls past your cabin window, and every port is a reason to get off and explore.

Itineraries run from seven to fourteen nights, which means there is time to absorb each destination rather than sprint through it. The fleet sails the Rhine, Danube, Rhône, Seine, Douro and Main rivers in Europe, with further sailings on the Nile in Egypt, the Mekong in South East Asia, and rivers in South America — making AmaWaterways one of the most geographically diverse river cruise lines available to Australian travellers.

On board: what’s included and what to expect

The ships are purpose-built for river cruising — sleek, low-profile and intimate. Dining centres on the Main Restaurant, where open seating times and regional menus make every meal a relaxed occasion. For something more theatrical, The Chef’s Table offers a dedicated chef crafting a multi-course tasting menu in an intimate setting — all included in your fare. The Specialty Coffee & Tea Station keeps you fuelled throughout the day at no extra charge.

Beyond the table, the Main Lounge is where guests gather for cocktails, destination talks and live evening entertainment. Outdoors, the Sun Deck and its heated pool with swim-up bar are the places to be as the riverbanks slide by. A Fitness Centre, walking track, Massage & Hair Salon, library and gift shop round out life on board.

One detail that sets AmaWaterways apart from most river lines: a complimentary bicycle fleet on board every ship. Guests can simply ride off at each port and explore at their own pace — no extra cost, no tour group to keep up with.

Where AmaWaterways sails

The greatest concentration of sailings is across Europe’s classic river corridors. Most voyages depart from Amsterdam, Basel, Budapest, Nuremberg or Vilshofen, covering the Rhine, Danube, Ijssel and Main rivers. France is well represented too, with sailings departing from Lyon, Arles, Paris and Bordeaux along the Rhône, Seine and Garonne.

Beyond Europe, AmaWaterways sails the rivers of Portugal from Porto along the Douro, ventures into South America, and operates Mekong sailings from Kampong Cham in Cambodia and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. Nile sailings depart from Luxor, Egypt. For those drawn to the Benelux region, tulip-season and waterway sailings connect the Netherlands and Belgium in a completely different style of European journey.

Which ship to consider

The fleet is large and varied, so it pays to match the ship to the route. AmaReina is one to look at for European river itineraries — explore its cabin grades and deck plans to find the right stateroom grade for your budget. AmaVerde is another popular European choice, and its full cabin and deck layout is available to browse before you commit. For something different, AmaCello carries a smaller guest count that suits travellers who prefer a quieter, more personal atmosphere — check its deck plans and stateroom options for details.

Who AmaWaterways suits

AmaWaterways appeals strongly to travellers who want genuinely immersive destination time without the complexity of planning it themselves. The inclusive dining, complimentary bikes and open port schedules attract independent-minded guests who still want the comfort of a well-run ship to come back to. Couples and solo travellers who enjoy cultural depth — wine regions, historic cities, UNESCO-listed landscapes — tend to find it a very natural fit. Voyages of seven nights are the most common length, making the line accessible for a first river cruise as well as for seasoned river travellers looking for a new region.

Because every sailing requires a flight from Australia, AmaWaterways is genuinely the middle chapter of a longer trip — and that’s where Cruise1st can add real value.

Why book with Cruise1st

Every AmaWaterways voyage departs overseas, which means flights, a hotel the night before embarkation and airport transfers all need arranging. Through Cruise1st Packages, all of that goes on a single booking — the cruise, the flights from Australia, hotels in Amsterdam, Budapest, Basel or wherever you board, and the transfers between them. Nothing falls through the cracks.

Our Australian cruise experts, seven days a week are available by phone to help you choose between itineraries, compare cabin grades across ships, and decide which inclusions are worth upgrading. We also offer a Best Price Guarantee across our AmaWaterways range, so you can book with confidence. Whatever cabin grade and fare combination you settle on, we put the whole holiday together in one place.