“Every moment was pure magic.” That is how guests Julie and Mark W. described their journey aboard AmaSerena. They began in Amsterdam with its canals and cobblestones. They sailed through Germany, France and Switzerland. They ended in Milan and Lake Como, full of joy and gratitude. What stayed with them most was not only the places they saw, but also the care, the warmth, and the people they met along the way. That feeling of being thoughtfully looked after is the heart of the AmaWaterways experience.

The company is family founded and guided by its original values. From the start, the goal has been simple. Treat guests like family and design each day with care. Ships are elegant and welcoming, with a crew that pays attention to details that matter. The experience feels personal from morning to night.

Space to Breathe, Room to Connect

Travelers notice the difference in the rhythm of each day. On shore, small group experiences invite you to connect with local life. Join a guided tour or take a bike and explore at your own pace. Get up early for a hike alongside a local guide, or plan for a later morning start and enjoy a latte in the lounge before heading out to explore independently. Choice is part of the design. 

On board, there is room to relax, move and nourish. Wellness Hosts lead small-group fitness classes. Chefs craft cuisine that reflects the region. Wine is selected to match the flavors on the plate. The result is a journey that feels balanced and unhurried. On average, AmaWaterways ships welcome about 156 guests. That scale creates a comfortable sense of space. Lounges feel lively but never crowded. The Sun Deck offers open views. Staterooms provide familiar comforts and thoughtful touches. 

Dining That Tells a Story

AmaWaterways is proud of its culinary craft and service. As the first river cruise line inducted into La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, the line celebrates quality and tradition. Menus change with the route. Fresh ingredients highlight local flavors and producers, such as the Altenreider family in Austria’s Wachau Valley, who have been producing high-quality juices, nectars, syrups, wines and jams for three generations.

During the day, enjoy a casual lunch between tours. In the evening, settle into a relaxed dinner with wines chosen to match the menu. Each evening, there is also a daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and mocktails. It is a friendly way to share stories and watch the river glide by.

Experiences Included, Discovery Encouraged

AmaWaterways includes much of what travelers want. On board, wellness activities and specialty dining are part of the experience. On shore, choose from several guided experiences each day. Bicycles are available on most European ships. Wi-Fi keeps you connected to home. Everything essential has already been considered.

Innovation and sustainability guide daily operations. The company respects the rivers and communities it visits. Efficient systems and careful practices help reduce the environmental impact, and local partnerships support regional culture and small businesses, so you can feel good about the way you travel.

Follow Your Passions

For those looking for deeper cultural connection, AmaWaterways’ Specialty Cruises offer a different perspective on history, art and heritage aboard select departures. Specially curated Soulful Experiences itineraries, for example, highlight the stories and contributions of the Black and African diaspora across Europe, Asia, Africa and South America with exclusive excursions and onboard programming.

Wine lovers can follow the vine from source to glass on Celebration of Wine River Cruises. These journeys pair classic sightseeing with tastings, cellar visits and conversations with winemakers. The joy is in the comparison and the story. A Moselle Riesling beside an Alsatian Riesling shows how soil and sun shape the sip. In Bordeaux, guests learn the differences between the left and right banks. Along the lower Danube River, ancient vineyards echo with Roman history.

Why Travelers Return Again and Again

Guests return to AmaWaterways for many reasons. The service feels genuine. The ships feel refined yet comfortable. The daily choices feel easy and flexible. You can be active or relaxed, social or quiet. You can join a group or explore on your own. Savor a long lunch or opt for a quick bite before a bike ride. The experience fits many travel styles without losing its sense of care.

Many guests, like Julie and Mark, also appreciate the inclusive nature of AmaWaterways’ cruises. “The care and attention to detail [they] put into every aspect of the trip made it not only seamless but also absolutely unforgettable.” With everything you need already considered, a river cruise with AmaWaterways is your opportunity to focus on the moments that matter. Admiring a view of the Rhine at sunset. Finding a quiet chapel tucked away in a small village. Sharing laughter over a freshly prepared cocktail. Forging a new connection on a cobblestone street. These are the memories that linger long after the journey ends.

Ready to Find Your Rhythm on the River?

For those drawn to culture and comfort, to fresh air and fine food, AmaWaterways offers a welcoming way to see the world. To reserve your AmaWaterways river cruise, contact your trusted travel advisor today.