AmaSofia

AmaSofia at a glance

AmaSofia is a river cruise ship built in 2024 and operated by AmaWaterways. She carries up to 152 guests looked after by 51 crew across 76 cabins, and stretches 135 metres along the waterline. She sails Europe's inland waterways — principally the Rhine and the Danube — with departures from Amsterdam, Basel, Budapest, Nuremberg and Vilshofen.

• Operator: AmaWaterways
• Key routes: Rhine, Danube, Ijssel, Benelux waterways

Notable from the outset is her complimentary bicycle fleet — guests can borrow a bike at each port and explore independently, without joining a guided tour or paying extra. That spirit of unhurried, self-directed discovery runs through much of what AmaSofia offers on board.

Dining on AmaSofia

AmaSofia offers two included restaurants, both open to all guests at no additional charge.

The Main Restaurant is the culinary heart of the ship, serving regional cuisine with open seating times so you dine when it suits you. River views through the windows make every meal part of the journey. For something more theatrical, The Chef's Table seats guests around a dedicated chef who prepares a multi-course tasting menu in front of you — an intimate, personalised experience that costs nothing beyond your cruise fare. Both venues are included for all guests.

A Specialty Coffee & Tea Station runs on a self-service basis throughout the day, also at no extra charge, for everything from a morning espresso to an afternoon brew.

On-board life and activities

The Main Lounge is where the ship comes together socially — a fully stocked bar, port talks from the crew, and live entertainment in the evenings. Drinks carry a separate charge unless you hold a beverage package, but the space itself is free to use.

On the Sun Deck, a heated outdoor pool with a swim-up bar makes a natural base on a warm afternoon, and the walking track on the same deck gives you a circuit for a morning jog above the river. Below decks, the Fitness Centre has modern cardio and strength equipment available at no charge; specialist fitness classes are charged separately.

The Massage & Hair Salon offers a quieter retreat — treatments and styling carry a charge, but the space is there whenever you want it. The on-board Library provides books and games for a slower afternoon, and the Gift Shop stocks souvenirs and essentials you can browse freely.

Cabins and suites on AmaSofia

AmaSofia's 76 cabins span three main grades, each sleeping two guests. Full deck plans and a complete list of categories are on the AmaSofia cabins and deck plans page.

The Suite SS is the most spacious option at 32.5 m², with a balcony and genuine room to spread out. At the other end of the range, the Outside Cabin D at 14.9 m² brings in natural daylight and river views through a fixed window throughout the day — a meaningful step up from a windowless interior. Between them, the Balcony Cabin AA measures 21.8 m² and offers a balcony with more floor space than mid-ship alternatives of the same type.

Where AmaSofia sails

The sailing programme focuses on two of Europe's great river corridors. The Rhine accounts for the majority of departures, most of them boarding in Amsterdam; the Rhine winds through the Netherlands and Germany before entering Switzerland, with Basel the common turnaround point. The Danube itineraries typically depart from Budapest, heading through Central Europe. Shorter itineraries also explore the Benelux waterways — including the Ijssel and the Waal — often departing from Amsterdam.

Because all departures are in Europe, Australian guests will need to fly to reach the ship. Cruise1st can arrange the cruise, flights, hotels either side and transfers as a single Cruise1st Package, which means one booking and one point of contact for everything.

Why book AmaSofia with Cruise1st?

Cruise1st's Best Price Guarantee applies across the programme, so you can book knowing you are not overpaying. Our Australian cruise experts are available seven days a week — before you book, not just after — to help you choose the right cabin grade and fare inclusions for your trip. And because flying to Amsterdam, Basel or Budapest from Australia is a journey in itself, our team can put flights, pre- or post-cruise hotels and transfers alongside the cruise fare in a single Cruise1st Package.

Common questions about AmaSofia

Which cabin grade should I book on AmaSofia?

It depends on how much space and natural light matter to you. The Suite SS at 32.5 m² suits guests who want the most room on board and a full balcony. The Balcony Cabin AA at 21.8 m² offers balcony access with generous floor space at a more accessible price point. If a balcony is not a priority but you want daylight and a river outlook throughout the day, the Outside Cabin D at 14.9 m² delivers that through a fixed window. The cabins and deck plans page shows exactly where each grade sits on the ship.

Are shore excursions included in the fare?

The FACTS provided do not list excursion inclusions as a venue or package feature, so we cannot confirm what is or is not covered — check the specific sailing's fare details when you browse itineraries. What is confirmed as complimentary for all guests is the ship's bicycle fleet, which lets you explore ports independently at no extra charge.

Can I drink tea and coffee on board without extra charges?

Yes. The Specialty Coffee & Tea Station is self-service and included in your cruise fare for all guests. Alcoholic drinks at the Main Lounge bar are charged separately unless you hold a beverage package.

Do I need a visa to visit the ports AmaSofia calls at?

AmaSofia calls at ports in the Netherlands, Switzerland, Hungary and Germany. Australian passport holders should verify current entry requirements for each country before travel, as visa rules can change. Our team can advise when you book.

Are there other AmaWaterways ships I could consider?

AmaWaterways operates several ships we sell in Australia. AmaCello and AmaReina are two other ships in the fleet you may be comparing — browse their pages to see which itineraries and departure dates suit you best. AmaVerde is another option in the same fleet worth considering.