Everything you’ll want to know before you sail.
Prices and availability are subject to change at any time.
Thank you for your interest in an AmaWaterways river cruise! I’ve gathered the most important details in one easy place, so you can see exactly what’s included, what you may want to add, and what to expect before, during, and after your journey.
AmaWaterways is known for generous inclusions, beautifully designed ships, and warm, attentive service. Take a look through the sections below, and whenever you’re ready, I’d love to help you choose the itinerary, stateroom, and extras that fit you best.
What's included, where you'll stay, and how you'll spend your days.
AmaWaterways is known for exceptional value and generous inclusions that elevate your entire river cruise experience. From the moment you step aboard, the details are taken care of, so you can simply enjoy the journey.
Here’s what you can look forward to on every sailing.
Imagine waking to a new storybook town each morning, with a guided tour, a delicious breakfast, and great coffee already waiting.
Choose from gentle, regular, active, or late-riser options.
Connectivity may vary by region.
Regional specialties and classic favorites, crafted with locally sourced ingredients.
Hand-selected wines and local beers.
Your favorite pick-me-up, any time of day.
Port charges are built into the quoted cruise price, so there are no surprises later.
Many itineraries feature iconic cultural landmarks.
Destination-inspired lectures, live entertainment, cultural performances, and more.
Included amenities are subject to change by AmaWaterways.
When you compare river cruise lines, look closely at what’s included. With AmaWaterways, shore excursions, wine and beer with lunch and dinner, Wi-Fi, and port charges are already part of your fare, which makes the value easy to see.
AmaWaterways is known for spacious, beautifully designed accommodations that feel more like boutique hotel rooms than cruise cabins. Every category offers comfort, thoughtful amenities, and elegant touches that make your stay effortless.
The largest and most luxurious accommodations onboard, with expansive living space, spacious bathrooms, and full balcony views.
A French balcony and an outside balcony: the best of both worlds.
Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open to fresh air and scenery.
A private sitting area for morning coffee or an afternoon glass of wine with river views.
Located on the lower deck, with picture-window views just above the waterline and excellent value.
Stateroom categories and amenities vary by ship.
AmaWaterways ships are built to feel personal, luxurious, and deeply relaxing. Every space onboard is designed to help you feel at home while connecting you with the beauty of the rivers around you.
Daily fitness classes, stretching, yoga, and wellness sessions led by a dedicated Wellness Host on Europe and Mekong sailings.
A highly trained Cruise Manager accompanies you throughout your cruise and land packages, ensuring seamless support from start to finish.
Stay connected with reliable internet access throughout your journey.
On many ships, relax in the heated pool with a swim-up bar, stroll the walking track, or simply admire the ever-changing panoramic views.
A fitness room, massage services, and an onboard hair salon for a little pampering.
A stylish gathering space with sweeping river views, comfortable seating, and a full-service bar.
Cultural performances, live music, lectures, and special pop-up entertainment onshore make every evening feel unique.
Tapas, sandwiches, and snacks served daily in the Main Lounge.
Onboard facilities vary by ship.
In Colombia, music is part of the journey, with local musicians bringing the rhythms of the Caribbean coast to life.
Experience it yourself on the Magic of Colombia, Elisa’s February 2028 group sailing on the Magdalena River.
Discover Magic of Colombia 2028Every meal aboard AmaWaterways is a celebration of regional flavors, local ingredients, and culinary creativity. Dining feels special, yet relaxed and welcoming.
The Main RestaurantOpen seating with no reservations needed. Dinner is served in one seating, so you never have to rush or plan ahead. If you’re torn between dishes, your servers are always happy to bring extra selections or recreate a favorite from a previous meal.
One of the most memorable highlights of sailing with AmaWaterways: an intimate specialty restaurant offering a multi-course tasting menu of regionally inspired creations, prepared before your eyes and paired with curated wines. Available on Europe ships (except on Portugal’s Douro), in Egypt, and on the Mekong. In Colombia, AmaMagdalena offers an intimate al fresco specialty restaurant instead, and The Chef’s Table is not offered on the Zambezi Queen in Africa.
Welcome Cocktail & Dinner, the Captain’s Cocktail & Gala Dinner, and La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dinner (select sailings).
Complimentary wine, beer, spirits, and soft drinks before dinner each evening: the perfect way to unwind and meet fellow travelers.
Unlimited fine wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, plus sparkling wine and fresh juices at breakfast.
Fresh, regional ingredients from the destinations you visit, alongside classic favorites.
Reserve The Chef’s Table as soon as you board on Day 1. Before choosing a date, ask the front desk about themed dinners, special menus, or “can’t miss” nights in the Main Restaurant.
Dining times and availability may vary by ship and itinerary. Stop by reception anytime with dietary questions or special requests.
Every day brings a new destination, a new experience, and a new way to connect with the world’s most storied rivers.
At least one complimentary shore excursion in every port of call.
Gentle walkers, regular walkers, active hikers, and late risers: there’s a perfect option for everyone.
Guided bike tours, nature hikes, and immersive local experiences.
Food tastings, castle tours, art experiences, and local cultural discoveries.
Knowledgeable guides bring each destination to life with stories, history, and insider insight.
Comfortable audio devices ensure you never miss a word on tour.
Extend your journey with an AmaWaterways pre- or post-cruise land package and explore your gateway cities with the same ease you enjoy onboard.
Land Packages IncludeStarting or ending in Amsterdam? See my guide to Amsterdam’s canals, museums, and day trips for ideas on how to spend your extra days.
Included amenities are subject to change by AmaWaterways.
Ways to save, from military appreciation to rewards for returning guests.
AmaWaterways proudly honors those who have served. Active-duty and retired service members and veterans can enjoy exclusive savings on AmaWaterways river cruises.
On any AmaWaterways river cruise, excluding Africa safaris and wildlife cruises. The $250 savings can be combined with most other promotions available at the time of booking.
Or Choose InsteadFull details: AmaWaterways Military Savings
Let me know about your service when we talk, and I’ll make sure the right military offer is applied when we book.
Sailed with AmaWaterways before? Your loyalty is rewarded with thoughtful perks that grow with every journey.
| Reward Level | Blue2nd cruise | Silver3rd cruise | Gold4th+ cruise |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100 per person discount on cruise price | Included | Included | Included |
| Welcome back celebration | Included | Included | Included |
| Complimentary welcome amenity | Not included | Included | Included |
| Complimentary airport transfers | Not included | Included | Included |
| $100 per person discount on a 1-category upgrade | Not included | Included | Not included |
| Complimentary 1-category upgrade | Not included | Not included | Included |
Benefits apply to new cruise bookings, are non-transferable, and are per stateroom unless stated otherwise. The $100 savings applies to the level you hold at the time of booking and is not cumulative. Complimentary airport transfers apply to most arrivals and departures on brochure itinerary dates, not to long-haul or private transfers. Upgrades are one category, like-for-like (for example, Category E to Category D), based on availability, and exclude suites except in Africa. Benefits are set by AmaWaterways and may change without notice.
Holds, deposits, gratuities, check-in and the paperwork to have in order.
AmaWaterways offers a complimentary courtesy hold on your preferred stateroom for up to 14 days, depending on availability. Lock in your cabin, itinerary, and current pricing without any immediate payment while you finalize the details.
| Europe, Colombia & Asia | $400 |
|---|---|
| Egypt | $1,200 |
| Africa | $2,400 |
Final Payment
Due 90 days before your travel start date.
Some land extensions and longer combination journeys carry additional or different deposits. I’ll confirm yours when I quote.
Unless otherwise listed, all pricing is per person, based on double occupancy, specific to the stateroom category quoted, and subject to availability at the time of booking.
Because AmaWaterways sails limited-inventory river ships, prices and availability can change without notice. By booking, you agree to the supplier’s terms, available on its website.
Cruise lines reserve the right to add surcharges for items such as fuel increases, port fees, or government requirements. Additional fees may apply from Avoya Travel or the cruise line if a cancellation occurs.
Please review AmaWaterways’ full cancellation policy before final payment, available in its Terms & Conditions.
I recommend travel protection for every trip, and I’m happy to provide quotes so you can compare coverage before final payment.
AmaWaterways Terms & Conditions: amawaterways.com/terms-conditions
If you ever need help with payments, or would like me to walk you through your options, I’m always here.
AmaWaterways is known for exceptional service, and gratuities are a way to thank the incredible crew who take such great care of you throughout your journey.
AmaWaterways Gratuity Guidelines (7-Night Europe Sailings)AmaWaterways leaves gratuities to your discretion and suggests these guidelines, which work out to about €17.86 and €4.29 per guest, per night. On AmaMagna, the crew guideline is €145 per 7-night cruise. Crew gratuities are shared equally among the waitstaff, housekeeping, dining room team, and the crew working behind the scenes. Prefer to take care of everything in advance? Prepaid gratuities can be added to your reservation up to 14 days before sailing, and many guests find it makes for a smoother, budget-friendly trip.
Tipping local guides and motorcoach drivers is not included. Most travelers give €2 to €3 per person for half-day tours and €4 to €5 for full-day tours to guides, and €1 to €2 per person per excursion to drivers.
Your Cruise Manager continues with you; AmaWaterways suggests an additional €5 per guest for each land package day. Gratuities for hotel porters are included. Tips for local city guides and drivers are not, and the same guideline applies.
Tipping is always optional, but very much appreciated by the guides and drivers who make your time ashore memorable. Sailing in Egypt, Asia, Africa, or Colombia? I’ll share the current guidelines for your itinerary.
About 60 days before departure, you’ll receive access to AmaWaterways’ online check-in portal, where you will:
Completing check-in early helps ensure a smooth boarding experience. AmaWaterways Cruise Check-In
Your digital guide throughout your journey. Inside the app, you can:
It is each traveler’s responsibility to carry proper documentation. Here’s what to have in order before you go.
Names on reservations must match your passport exactly.
Since May 2025, U.S. travelers need a REAL ID-compliant license or other accepted ID, such as a passport, for domestic flights and certain federal facilities.
Itineraries in Egypt, Southeast Asia, and Africa require visas and several blank passport pages. Verify requirements through CIBTvisas, and I’ll confirm exactly what your itinerary needs.
Europe’s new travel authorization for U.S. visitors is not yet in effect, and no launch date has been announced. I’ll let you know if it applies to your trip.
An Electronic Travel Authorisation is required for entry to the United Kingdom.
I strongly recommend reviewing travel advisories and health guidance before your trip so you’re fully prepared.
A few things that are helpful to know before you sail.
River cruising brings you closer to nature, and nature occasionally has its own plans. AmaWaterways handles these moments smoothly, and a little flexibility goes a long way.
River levels can affect docking locations, require a ship swap, or modify shore excursions.
In some ports, ships may temporarily tie together side by side. When this happens, your river view may be obstructed until the ships separate.
All travel is subject to schedule adjustments, itinerary changes, work stoppages, weather disruptions, and operational delays.
Depending on your itinerary, documents arrive as digital files or printed packets. I’ll let you know as soon as they’re ready.
The river sets the pace. All you have to do is enjoy the view.
Whether you already have a river in mind or are just beginning to dream, I’d love to help you find the AmaWaterways journey that fits you best. I’ll compare itineraries and staterooms, apply every savings offer you qualify for, and take care of the details from your first question to your welcome home.
Prices and availability are subject to change at any time. Amenities, offers, and policies are set by AmaWaterways and may change without notice. Photography courtesy of AmaWaterways.