AmaPrima in Passau
AmaPrima in Passau / AmaWaterways
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Douro River Valley in Portugal
Douro River Valley in Portugal / AmaWaterways
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Riding bicycles in Europe
Riding bicycles in Europe / AmaWaterways
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Swim-up bar
Swim-up bar / AmaWaterways
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Rack of lamb and lamb medallions
Rack of lamb and lamb medallions / AmaWaterways
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AmaLotus Lounge Bar
AmaLotus Lounge Bar / AmaWaterways
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Zambezi Queen
Zambezi Queen / AmaWaterways
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Suite with Balcony on Zambezi Queen
Suite with Balcony on Zambezi Queen / AmaWaterways
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AmaWaterways

Our Review
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger

AmaWaterways is a luxury river cruise operator that offers itineraries throughout Europe as well as in Vietnam/Cambodia, Africa, and, beginning in 2023, Colombia. The company’s 26 ships, which carry around 150 passengers, have a comfortable, friendly ambiance that instantly creates a warm camaraderie among the guests and crew.

What We Love

The Food: The cuisine on AmaWaterways' ships typically wins raves from passengers. It's not overly fussy — just delicious and packed with flavor. Especially praiseworthy: the soups, which are made fresh daily. The Vietnamese pho proved so popular that it's now offered on European ships, as well as those cruising Southeast Asia.

The Pools: Not only do some of the European ships have heated swimming pools, but several also include swim-up bars.

Best Known For

Signature Twin Balconies: Many of AmaWaterways' ships are known for having not one but two balconies in some or all of the staterooms and suites. In addition to a full balcony with chairs and a tiny table, there's a second French balcony with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors.

Who It's Best For

Mature Couples: River cruising, in general, attracts couples ages 60 and older, but it also appeals to curious Gen Xers interested in watching elephants drink from the Chobe River in Africa from the ship's deck, or intrigued by some itineraries through historic regions of Europe and Asia.

Singles: AmaWaterways has reached out to solo travelers by offering specially designed solo staterooms on certain ships in Europe.

Families: AmaWaterways has partnered with Adventures by Disney to offer family-friendly trips. Additionally, AmaWaterways was the first river cruise line to launch connecting staterooms to meet the growing demand for multi-generational families.

Don't Say We Didn't Warn You

You’ll See Design Quirks: In some staterooms, furniture is placed in front of the French balcony, making it a bit of a challenge to slide open the glass doors.