AMAWATERWAYS is the fastest-growing, U.S.-based river cruise line. Known for their innovative inclusive vacations and state-of-the art vessels, the award-winning European river cruise operator AMAWATERWAYS continues to lead the way in river cruising and has received many accolades for their innovative product. AMAWATERWAYS has redefined European river cruising since its founding in 2002 and boasts the fastest-growing and newest fleet on the historic Danube, Rhine, Main and Mosel rivers. The AMADOLCE launched in 2009 and the AMADAGIO launched in 2006. Both vessels carry up to 150 guests in 75 staterooms and country of registry is Switzerland. AMAWATERWAYS offer a full program of daily included shore excursions, as well as entertainment and educational options. Guests can either join the excursions or choose to relax onboard and let the wonderful scenery float by. Their ships feature state-of-the-art public areas with great art work, new amenities and services, exquisitely decorated staterooms and gourmet dining; all of which provide an unparalleled cruise vacation.
Itineraries
AMADOLCE - Vineyards of the Rhine and Mosel
Day
Destination
Activities
Thu
Paris
Hotel check-in
Fri
Paris
City tour
Sat
Paris
Optional tours available
Sun
Paris
TGV high-speed train
Luxembourg
Walking tour
Embarkation
Welcome cocktail & dinner
Mon
Bernkastel
Walking tour & wine tasting
Tue
Cochem
Walking tour & Reichsburg Castle
Koblenz
Free evening
Wed
Koblenz
Walking tour
Thu
Mainz
Walking tour
Rüdesheim
Wine tasting & Siegfried’s Music Museum OR Heidelberg excursion
Fri
Cologne
Walking tour; Floriade Expo*
Sat
Amsterdam
Canal cruise & city tour
Sun
Amsterdam
Disembark
Land start date - June 28 – July 1st 3 night pre stay in Paris - sailing on July 1 - 8
* April through mid October
AMADAGIO - Provence and Spain
Day
Destination
Activities
Mon
Barcelona
Hotel check-in
Tue
Barcelona
Optional Montserrat
Wed
Barcelona
City Tour
Thu
Barcelona/Perpignan/ Arles
Transfers to Arles; Free Time for lunch; EMBARKATION; Welcome cocktail & Dinner
Fri
Arles
Arles Walking tour; Olive Farm visit, Les Baux excursion
Sat
Avignon/Viviers
Walking tour & Papal Palace or Pont du Gard or Grigan excursion
Sun
Viviers/Tournon
Ghost walk; Winery visit & Tasting
Mon
Tournon/Vienne
Free Time; City tour
Tues
Trevoux
Beaujolais excursion
Wed
Trevoux/Lyon
Walking Tour; City tour
Thu
Lyon/Paris
DISEMBARK/French cooking; TGV high speed train to Paris Hotel check-in
Fri
Paris
Optional Seine Cruise & Eiffel Tower
Sat
Paris
City Tour; Optional Montmartre & Illuminations
Sun
Paris
Hotel check-out
Land start date – July 16 – 19 ~ 3 night pre stay in Barcelona ~ sailing on July 19 – 26 with 3 night post stay in Paris July 26 - 29
Land start date – July 30 – Aug 2 ~ 3 night pre stay in Barcelona ~ sailing on Aug 2 – 9 with 3 night post stay in Paris Aug 9 – 12
With sailings leaving on various departure days travelers can book cruise and flight packages along with pre and post hotel stays in Paris, Amsterdam and Barcelona to create a flexible cruise and stay vacation.
Onboard facilities include
Dining
All meals on board the ships are included in the cruise price. Meals are served in the dining room in a single open seating. Open seating allows guests to sit at different tables for each meal if you wish to meet fellow passengers. Table reservations are not accepted.
AMAWATERWAYS onboard culinary staff offers sophisticated menus comprised of wonderful soups, fresh produce, high quality choice cut meats, and fresh fish and seafood. Your Maitre d' always welcomes guests to the restaurant with a bright smile. Start the day with a lavish gourmet champagne breakfast buffet. Choose from a rich assortment of breads, croissants and pastries, a variety of fresh fruit, yogurt, cereals, and smoked salmon. Sample the delicious cheeses, cold cuts and local sausages, as well as our daily regional specials. An array of traditional breakfast items is also available from the menu.
Guests return from their shore excursion to a delicious lunch. Starting with mouth-watering hot or cold appetizers, homemade soups, then choose from a selection of great entrees, finish off with a delectable dessert and complimentary cappuccino.
All meals are prepared by European chefs and consist of European-style food that has been adjusted for AMAWATERWAYS passengers. Breakfast is buffet style, with selections available from the menu as well. Lunch features salads, soups, a selection of hot entrées and dessert. Dinner is a multi-course meal with a selection of entrées.
Beverages
Water on board is potable. Coffee and tea are available free of charge 24 hours a day and during meals. Specialty coffees, such as espresso and café latte are also available free of charge in the Panoramic Lounge. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are available at additional cost (ie. Pop 1.90€ / small beer 2.25 € - subject to change) . At dinner, local wines (red and white), soft drinks and beer are available on a complimentary basis. High tea is served daily mid-afternoon with cakes and pastries.
AMAWATERWAYS does not confiscate liquor when guests are boarding the ship. Therefore you bring liquor/wine onboard to enjoy at your leisure.
Special Diets
Please advise of any special dietary requests , needs and food allergies at the time of booking. AMAWATERWAYS will make every effort to accommodate your request, but please note that local conditions and seasonality can affect their ability to comply. Requests can be accommodated for gluten-free, low fat, sugar free and kosher (but not orthodox kosher). AMAWATERWAYS cannot accommodate all modern health diet plans.
Entertainment, Bars & Lounges
All ships feature a large, comfortably-furnished Panoramic Lounge, which serves as the main gathering spot for onboard announcements, lectures and entertainment. The Lounge also features a dance floor and full service bar, making it a popular spot for relaxation throughout the cruise. AMAWATERWAYS also have a resident pianist on board the ship who performs in the Panoramic Lounge. Each night different performers come aboard to enchant and delight – from local folk music and dance, a classical quartet or a violin concerto, guests will learn more about the traditions of the region they are visiting. Onboard lecturers also provide guests with a variety of stimulating chats!
The ships also feature a more intimate Aft Lounge, ideal for small group meetings, quiet relaxation, board games or surfing the web with AMAWATERWAYS complimentary wireless Internet access.
Main Lounge & Bar
Aft Lounge
In line with AMAWATERWAYS company policy,only those guests 21 years and older will be allowed to purchase or consume alcohol. Picture ID may be requested.
Activities
AMAWATERWAYS mission is to deliver an exceptional vacation experience with everlasting memories onboard. They offer a full program of daily included shore excursions, as well as entertainment and educational options. The vessels feature a fitness center, beauty salon, whirlpool, walking track on the Sun Deck and bicycles for passengers to explore quaint towns and villages on their own.
Bicycles
Each ship has a limited number of bicycles and helmets available for use when the ship is docked. When appropriate, a sign-up sheet is used to request the bicycles. Use of the bicycles is without supervision and at guests own risk.
Spa & Fitness Facilities
Each ship has a fitness room with a selection of exercise equipment and a steam room All ships feature a whirlpool. There is no attendant on duty and therefore, without limitation, AMAWATERWAYS and its affiliates are not responsible for any injuries sustained during the use of the fitness room, steam room or whirlpool.
Beauty Salon / Massage
Various beauty and hair treatments as well as massages are available on board. Please inquire at the reception desk for a list of services and to schedule an appointment.
Gift Shop
The ship has an onboard gift shop that sells accessories, souvenirs, gifts, and a limited selection of personal and toiletry items. Opening hours vary according to itinerary. Usual hours are from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, except on embarkation and disembarkation day.
Laundry / Valet Services
Laundry services are available on board for a fee. Price lists are available in the staterooms. Please note that clothes cannot be dry cleaned on board.
Shore Excursions / Sightseeing Trips
Included with the guests final documents is a detailed itinerary, describing each included and optional sightseeing tour for each day of their cruise and any applicable land extensions.
In order to assist you in maximizing your free time, some optional tours are available. These tours provide additional opportunities to sample the local culture. The Cruise manager and local host are available to help guests schedule their free time, answer any questions and take bookings for the tours. Charges will be added to stateroom bill. Please note that not all optional tours are offered on all itineraries or throughout the entire season. Detailed information regarding the tours will be available on board the ships. Tour availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability and group interests.
Audio Headsets
During shore excursions, AMAWATERWAYS provide a sophisticated audio headset system that allows guests to comfortably listen to their tour guide while taking photos or admiring some of Europe’s hidden gems.
Sightseeing
A sightseeing tour is included in each city or town passengers visit, along with free time to explore the city according to your own interests. The sightseeing tours can take place on foot, via motor coach, or a combination of the two. Each tour is led by a qualified, licensed English-speaking local guide or the Cruise manager. In addition to AMAWATERWAYS Gentle and Active Walkers groups noted in thier Health and Well-Being section, for some excursions, they have a “Late starter” option for guests who wish to sleep in but do not want to miss key tour highlights.
For those guests interested in exploring Europe from an exciting new perspective, AMAWATERWAYS offer guided bicycle tours in select cities (capacity controlled). In the event of water level problems on certain stretches of the river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motor coach or to alter the daily program as determined by the ship’s Captain.
AMAWATERWAYS Kids
Children under 4 are not allowed onboard the ship. Children 4 – 17 must be in a cabin with an adult. If the child is part of a double occupancy, full adult rate is charged. Children under 11 may share a stateroom with 2 adults, on request basis only. Children 11 – 17 may share only a junior suite or higher. Hotel terms for children vary. AMAWATERWAYS can only accommodate 2 guests per cabin so children would have to be 1 with each adult.
Medical Facilities
There are no medical facilities on board. However, medical services can easily be called from shore if required. All related charges for medical services on shore are the responsibility of the passenger.
Pregnant women
For the safety of parent and child, and depending on various circumstances, passengers who are at an advanced stage of pregnancy (after 5 months) may be subject to restrictions or exclusion concerning their ability to travel and/or board a ship. AMAWATERWAYS must be informed of pregnant guests traveling, so they can assess the passengers personal circumstances and possible accommodation. All pregnant women are required to produce a doctors or midwife’s letter stating that the mother and baby are in good health, fit to travel, the estimated time of delivery (EDD) and the pregnancy is not high-risk.
Special Needs
Handicapped facilities on board are limited. River cruise vessels are not equipped with wheelchair ramps, and hallways and doors may not be wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs or scooters. AMAWATERWAYS ships are equipped with an elevator but it does not access all decks – (ie) does not go to the lower decks and the sun deck. Additionally, motor coaches and minibuses used for transfers and shore excursions may not be equipped with wheelchair ramps, or specialized access.
Medical
Any condition requiring special attention must be advised at the time of booking. For additional detailed information about the accessibility features of AMAWATERWAYS vessels, they can be contacted at 800-626-0126.
Special Occasions / Celebrations
AMAWATERWAYS will help celebrate birthdays, wedding, honeymoon or anniversary. Let us know if you are celebrating a milestone event.
Library
The ship has a book collection available to all passengers, free of charge.
Ice Machine
For guests’ convenience, ice is always available on board, either from the bar or self-service ice machine.
Staying in Touch
AMAWATERWAYS satellite telephone system allows guests to call home for a nominal fee. Phones may be used to call from stateroom to stateroom and ship to shore. Since the telephone system functions via GSM, there may be times, depending on location, when service is unavailable. Any charges for calls will be billed to the guests’ shipboard account. Rates available onboard at the reception desk.
Every stateroom is equipped with a monitor and a keyboard, and offers complimentary Internet access through the ship’s unique Infotainment system. Guests also enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi in the public lounges. Guests should remember to write down and bring their email account log-in information if you would like to send emails while on board. Please note that there may be times, depending on location, when Internet service is unavailable. Guests with international cell phones will enjoy coverage at most ports.
Daily Program
The ship's daily newsletter features information about daily activities, shore excursions, tour departure times and more. It is recommend that guests always carry the newsletter with them when going ashore, as it contains the ship’s docking address and the Cruise manager’s telephone number. A detailed program of the next day’s activities, designed to keep passengers informed about the events and entertainment offered by AMAWATERWAYS staff, will be delivered to the staterooms every evening.
Currency Exchange
ATM machines are widely available throughout Europe and readily accessible during shore excursions. AMAWATERWAYS ships do not have ATM machines on board. Travelers Cheques in U.S. Dollars can be exchanged for local currency on board in limited amounts. A nominal fee applies & daily conversion rates apply.
Credit Cards
Major credit cards (Visa/MasterCard/Amex) are accepted in most locations.
Onboard Purchases
For the guest’s convenience, AMAWATERWAYS provides a cashless system that allows them to sign for all onboard purchases. The day before their cruise ends they will be given an itemized invoice for any onboard charges they may have made. All onboard charges will be in euros. Payment is accepted in cash (euros) or by credit card. Guests should note that on thier bank/credit card statement their onboard charges will not state AmmWaterways Los Angeles, as their credit card will have been processed in Hamburg, Germany.
Passenger Services / Reception
The ship’s reception desk is open 24 hours a day. Should a guest need any assistance, they can contact reception by dialing 9, or pay them a visit. Stamps and postcards are available at the reception desk and mail will be sent from port each day. AMAWATERWAYS offers a selection of complimentary postcards which can be found at the reception desk or near the library. When written and sent via the reception desk, AMAWATERWAYS offer complimentary postage.
Staterooms
In-Stateroom Amenities
Inside the exquisitely decorated stateroom guests will find all the amenities of a fine hotel with white-on-white plush bedding and a cozy sitting area.
The luxurious “AMA” ships feature the most spacious staterooms on Europe’s rivers, with 82 percent boasting French Balconies.
All accommodations feature bathroom with shower, hair dryer, satellite TV, a monitor and keyboard with complimentary Internet access through the ship’s unique Infotainment system, direct dial phone, terry bathrobes, slippers, individually controlled air conditioning, ample closet space, spa-quality toiletries and safety deposit box. For safety reasons, the use of irons in staterooms is prohibited. Clothes may be ironed for an additional fee. Each stateroom also offers complimentary bottled water replenished daily. Please note that television reception is via satellite, therefore depending on location, reception may be temporarily restricted or unclear.
Safety Deposit Box
All staterooms are equipped with a safe. It is recommended that guests place their valuables in the safe when away from the stateroom. Items that exceed the size of the safe can be checked into the ship's safe at the reception desk (when available).
Electricity
Electricity on board is 220v, with European 2-pin power outlets. Guests will need a European adapter, and/or converter depending on which electrical appliances they have. Guests should make sure to inspect their cell phone and camera chargers, electric shavers and other appliances to determine specific converter and/or adapter requirements to ensure their safe operation on board the ship.
Key Cards
A magnetic key card is issued at check-in. This card is used to access guest staterooms and to make purchases during their cruise.
Violin and/or Cello Deck - French Balcony (Category A, B, C)
Piano Deck – Fixed Window (Category D & E)
These staterooms feature all the amenities of the Category D and E, but with the addition of floor-to-ceiling windows which open to a French balcony. Category A staterooms offer a slightly more desirable location, being one deck higher than Category B and are located midship. Offers two single beds that can be converted into a double bed.
Offers two single beds that can be converted into a double bed.
Policies
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the ship. Smoking is only permitted on the Sun Deck. Smoking is not permitted in the staterooms or on stateroom balconies.
Gratuities (To be paid onboard by the guest)
Gratuities to the Cruise manager and ship crew are not included in the vacation price. While the amount of these gratuities will depend upon the guests degree of satisfaction for services received, here are some general tipping guidelines.
€ 3 per person/per day - Cruise manager
€12 per person/per day - for the crew, which will be divided between all the ship's personnel
€ 1-2 - for local guides pp/per tour Gratuities on most vessels, but not all, may be charged on credit card as well as cash.
Attire
It is recommended to travel light. The best advice is "if in doubt, leave it out." Adopt a simple color coordination plan for your vacation to reduce the quantity of clothing required.
AMAWATERWAYS recommends country club casual for dinner. There is one semi-formal evening onboard, the Captain’s Farewell Dinner; typically the second to last night, formal attire is not required.
Guests may wish to pack a few smart casual outfits and a more formal outfit (black tie is not necessary) to wear to the Captain's Dinner or if they are planning an evening at the theater. The vessel will be traveling through different climates and altitudes, so layering is advisable. Suggest to bring a warm sweater for the evenings and a raincoat (with a removable liner). Bring comfortable walking shoes for the shore excursions and one pair of formal shoes. Due to unpredictable weather, guests should bring a hat or visor and a collapsible umbrella. Also guests must ensure they bring proper clothing for visits to religious sites.
AMAWATERWAYS - Priviliges Loyalty Program
Repeat business is a large part of AMAWATERWAYS's success and they are pleased to offer their “Privilege” program in three different levels. Guests cruising on all vessels begin to earn their “Privileges” once they board. You will find a booklet in your stateroom explaining the benefits of the rewards program, as well as an exclusively designed AMAWATERWAYS pin to wear during your cruise. The actual benefits commence with your second cruise at the Blue level. The levels include:
Blue:
$100 pp discount on the cruise
Special “Privelege” guest reception
Silver (3rd cruise):
all of the Blue level benefits
Dinner with a senior crew member
Choice of welcome amenity
Gold (4 or more cruises):
all of the Blue & Silver benefits
Complimentary stateroom upgrade if available at time of booking (excluding suites)
With each successive AMAWATERWAYS Privelege levels, guests will also receive a corresponding commemorative pin.
