The Twin Balcony Design
Many AmaWaterways ships feature staterooms with both a French balcony and a full outside balcony. On a river cruise where the scenery is constant, this matters more than most travelers expect until they experience it.
River Cruise Lines
AmaWaterways River Cruise Specialist
Cruisin Couple Travel Agency · Serving Clients Nationwide
Overview
Why AmaWaterways Belongs at the Top of Your River Cruise List
AmaWaterways is one of the most awarded and most consistently praised river cruise lines operating in Europe today. Founded in 2002, AmaWaterways has built a reputation for active and enriching itineraries, exceptional culinary programming, and a cabin design innovation, the twin balcony, that changed how travelers experience river cruising from their stateroom.
At Cruisin Couple Travel Agency, we are AmaWaterways Certified Specialists. That designation is earned, not given. It reflects our firsthand knowledge of the ships, the itineraries, the cabin categories, and the onboard experience.
The Difference
What Makes AmaWaterways Different
Active Excursion Programming
Every port typically offers multiple excursion options at different activity levels, from leisurely guided walks to cycling tours along the riverbank. If you and your travel companion have different energy levels, AmaWaterways accommodates both.
Culinary Focus
The Chef's Table restaurant, available on many ships, offers a more intimate multi-course dining option. Regional cuisine and local wine and beer are incorporated throughout the voyage.
The AmaMagna
Roughly twice the width of a standard river cruise vessel. Four restaurants, a pool, a fitness center, and suite-level accommodations with full butler service. For travelers who want more onboard amenities without sacrificing the intimacy of river cruising, the AmaMagna is in a category of its own.
Itineraries
AmaWaterways Itineraries We Recommend
- Romantic Danube
- Nuremberg to Budapest covering Regensburg, Passau, Linz, the Wachau Valley, Vienna, and Bratislava. A first-time river cruise favorite.
- Gems of Southeast Europe
- Budapest to Bucharest covering some of the most dramatic and culturally rich ports on any European river.
- Rhine Magnificent Europe
- Amsterdam to Basel covering the Rhine Gorge, Strasbourg, Cologne, and the Black Forest region.
- Enchanting Douro
- Portugal's wine country. A consistent favorite for clients who have already sailed the Danube or Rhine and want something genuinely different.
- Christmas Markets
- Among the most popular in river cruising. These book 12 to 18 months in advance. Contact us now if this is on your list.
Ship Reviews
My Firsthand AmaWaterways Reviews
Traveling with children and grandparents? Start with my multigenerational river cruise guide. Sailing in December? Read my AmaWaterways Christmas Market river cruise guide or start with my broader Rhine and Danube Christmas Market planning pillar.
AmaMagna, Danube
The widest river cruise ship in Europe. Double the beam of a standard vessel, with a pool, pickleball courts, morning yoga, and a coffee bar that becomes the social heart of every sailing. She sails the Danube exclusively.
Read My ReviewAmaViola
A smaller, more intimate Danube experience with bold design, the beloved Chef’s Table, twin balconies, and Oktoberfest celebrations in Passau. Read the full firsthand review.
Read My ReviewAmaSerena
Review Coming Soon
Review Coming SoonAmaWaterways FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About AmaWaterways
- Is AmaWaterways all-inclusive?
- AmaWaterways includes most meals, wine and beer with dinner, guided excursions at every port, and onboard entertainment. Specialty dining, premium spirits, and some optional excursions carry an additional cost. We walk every client through exactly what is included before booking.
- How does AmaWaterways compare to Viking River Cruises?
- AmaWaterways tends to attract travelers who want a more active excursion program and the twin-balcony cabin design. Viking appeals to travelers who prefer a more understated Scandinavian aesthetic and a slightly more independent shore experience. We help clients decide which fits better based on their travel style.
- What is the best AmaWaterways ship?
- The right ship depends on the itinerary and what you value onboard. The AmaMagna is the flagship experience for travelers who want maximum space and amenities. For a classic river cruise feel with the twin-balcony design, the AmaViola, AmaLea, and AmaSiena are consistently excellent.
- When do AmaWaterways Christmas market cruises sell out?
- Typically 12 to 18 months before departure. If you are interested in a Christmas market sailing, the time to book is now.
- Does AmaWaterways offer solo traveler cabins?
- Yes, on select ships and itineraries. Availability is limited and books quickly. Contact us to check current availability.
Ready to Book an AmaWaterways River Cruise?
We are AmaWaterways Certified Specialists and we work with clients across the United States.
Request a AmaWaterways River Cruise Quote
Share your travel details and cruise preferences. Melissa will follow up personally with line and ship recommendations, cabin guidance, and current pricing.
Explore More River Cruising
Compare the lines we specialize in, or start with the basics.
- River Cruise OverviewHow European river cruising works and how the lines compare.
- Christmas Market River CruisesRhine or Danube, which line, ship and cabin: Melissa's seasonal planning pillar.
- Viking River CruisesAdults-only Longships with an included tour in every port.
- ScenicUltra-luxury, truly all-inclusive, with butler service throughout.
- Riverside Luxury CruisesModern ships, high crew ratios, and genuine all-inclusive pricing.
- Tauck River CruisesUnderstated luxury, spacious suites, and famously inclusive fares.
- River Cruise FAQAnswers to the questions first-time river cruisers ask most.
- How to Choose a River Cruise Travel AdvisorWhat to look for when hiring a trusted river cruise specialist in Arizona.