Dear traveller,
I grew up in a small, historical town on the banks of the mighty Danube river in Bulgaria, Eastern Europe. My fondest childhood memories were created during the summer months on the river front playing with my friends. Often, we just sat on the pier looking at the ships sailing up and down the river. Some were carrying freight, others travelers. I remember dreaming one day to be one of the travelers. In the last few years I was fortunate enough to sail on the Nile River in Egypt and Halong Bay, Vietnam and will cherish this experiences for the rest of my life.  I hope this blog to inspire you to take a river cruise yourself! ​
In today's busy life, many of us are guilty of falling into a dreary work week routine that has us counting down the minutes until Friday.
On an AmaWaterways river cruise, you’ll say goodbye to your standard routine and hello to outdoor activity, fine dining and relaxation. Our goal is to match you to a luxurious but affordable vacation experience that is both comforting and adventurous.
When you’re not touring a destination, you’ll be enjoying the many amenities offered on the ship, as well as breathtaking views from the Sun Deck. With a smaller number of passengers on board, you’ll have more time to enjoy the amenities in a more personal way.

After their river cruise, John and Debby say AmaWaterways “is a first-class operation and we felt more like honored guests than passengers.”
Interested in what a typical day may look like on your river cruise? All cruises offer the below amenities for you to take advantage of throughout the day.
Award-Winning Meals
Enjoy coffee and the breakfast buffet each morning, light lunches and refreshments throughout the day and exquisite meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients for dinner. AmaWaterways is proudly a member of La Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, a prestigious international gastronomic society dedicated to fine cuisine.
We recommend booking The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant (it is complimentary!) for at least one evening and would be happy to take care of those details for you. John and Ken write:
“The Chef’s Table was an evening to remember! Watching the preparations throughout the evening, and then getting to enjoy them was great fun! We have actually re-created a dressing that he used on the Watermelon and Seared Goat Cheese salad!”
 Need more convincing? Unlimited locally sourced wine, beer, and soft drinks are also offered with each meal.

Salon & Spa
No vacation is complete without a bit of pampering. The spa on board offers massages throughout the day so you can relax on your own schedule. With fewer guests on board you won’t have to fight for an appointment.
Feel like going out for the evening while we’re in port? Let the stylists at the salon give you a new look or simply help you look and feel your best before heading 
Deck Pool
You may not choose a tropical cruise, but that doesn’t mean you can’t relax and enjoy the sun on the top deck! All ships have a heated pool (some with a swim-up bar for optimal enjoyment) or a jacuzzi, perfect for relaxing any tired muscles while cruising past the graceful, castle-filled countryside of Europe.
Feel free to come back out when the sun goes down. As you cruise past larger cities, the views of bridges full of lights or cathedrals lit up under the stars are extraordinary.
This is the perfect atmosphere to socialize with your party and other guests. Many cruisers have truly built long-distance and lasting friendships and even return time and time again to cruise with people they met on previous sailings!

Excursions
Regardless of which cruise itinerary you choose, you’ll have a variety of complimentary excursions to choose from. Activity level varies to suit your preference for the day and bikes are available on the ship for you to take into town. There is even a tour option for “late risers” if you’d like to take advantage of your lush bed and catch a few extra sleep.
During some stops, you may prefer a mild hike; on others, wine tasting or touring a Kölsch brew pub. Alternatively, you may wish to take on some free time with your group and explore the city. Some of our clients’ favorite days are strolling through the cobblestone streets of obscure cities, feeling out the local culture.

Workout Facilities and Wellness Classes 
Imagine going for your morning run or spin while passing by centuries-old castles and quaint villages. Each AmaWaterways ship is equipped with state-of-the-art fitness facilities to help you stay on track while cruising down the river. Enjoy sweeping views of the European countryside while finishing that last set or running that final mile. In addition to workout facilities, complimentary yoga classes led by dedicated wellness instructor are offered on the pool deck. Once you are done with your workout, head over to the spa for a little pampering, or to the dining room for a hearty breakfast. You earned it! ​

Best in Class Service
If there is anything that could make your time on board the ship better, let the AmaWaterways team know! The only thing better than their dining is their service. The team truly prides itself on building relationships with each guest and creating a family-like feel for your journey.
“Service was awesome. The crew was great. Truly for us, it was the "trip of a lifetime" kind of thing…”
So, what are you waiting for? We are on standby to book your next European vacation. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have about traveling through Europe by river and get your end-to-end travel confirmed. All you need to decide is when you want to go and who you’d like to travel with! 

We’d love to match your travel style with the right itinerary and ship. As a certified AmaWaterways travel advisor, we can explain the subtle differences between Ama and other river cruise brands.  Reach out to Journeys4Life today and be sure to mention if you’re planning a romantic getaway, bachelorette trip or a friends’ reunion and we’ll let you know the add-ons available that will make your experience truly special.

​Dear traveller,
I grew up in a small, historical town on the banks of the mighty Danube river in Bulgaria, Eastern Europe. My fondest childhood memories were created during the summer months on the river front playing with my friends. Often, we just sat on the pier looking at the ships sailing up and down the river. Some were carrying freight, others travelers. I remember dreaming one day to be one of the travelers. In the last few years I was fortunate enough to sail on the Nile River in Egypt and Halong Bay, Vietnam and will cherish this experiences for the rest of my life.  I hope this blog to inspire you to take a river cruise yourself! 
Ocean cruises have been a popular way to vacation for decades, and for good reason. They’re affordable, convenient and offer travelers peace of mind knowing that everything they need for a fantastic getaway is all in one place. What could be better than that? Well, consider a river cruise.

3. Dive into the Local Culture
Get away from the touristy ports and explore hidden gems. Large ocean liner ports can receive up to 20,000 visitors on the same day but with a river cruise, you’ll arrive into port with only a few hundred visitors. Not only will you avoid long lines at your destination, but you’ll also enjoy leisurely excursions at each incredible port of call.  You’ll be able to take in the local culture and history of every unique town that you visit.
4. No Need to Rush Back
​With many departures from the destinations being later in the afternoon or evening, you’ll have the chance to enjoy the nightlife in select ports of call. Whether you choose an evening walk through cobblestone streets, a local show or performance, or one last glass of wine after dinner while listening to a local musician, immersing yourself in the evening culture together with the locals is a unique experience.
5. Castle Views
That’s right, castle views. From Amsterdam to Basel along the Rhine River, and in Budapest, Bratislava, Dürnstein and Passau on the Danube, you’ll see colorful architecture and castles that will blow you away. But don’t stop at just viewing the castles, why not hike or drive to them and then explore their fabulousness with a knowledgeable guide? You’ll literally be walking in the footsteps of world history.

6. 5-Star Reviews
​5-star reviews are only earned through 5-star service. When you’re relaxing with a glass of wine on the Sun Deck, enjoying a night under the stars, or having an unexpected encounter with kind locals that your tour guide has arranged for you, you’ll know where our their 5-star reviews come from. See what people are saying about AmaWaterways’ flawless service.
7. Entertainment for the Whole Family
With a variety of activities and plenty of stops along the way, we’re sure everyone in the family will have an unforgettable experience. River cruising is perfect for multi-generational families. From grandparents to teenaged grandchildren, the entire family will bond over a range of topics and activities from food to history to countryside excursions. There really is something to do for everyone on board at each destination. Some members of your group may choose to take advantage of spa services, or the sundeck pool, or cultural activities, while others may prefer to seek out a quiet space with a book. Mealtimes are the perfect opportunity for everyone to come together again as a family. It really is the perfect multi-generational vacation for your family or group of friends.
8. Taste the Difference
​Whether you’re into wine tasting or local street food, a river cruise provides an exceptional culinary experience both on the ship and at every destination. The onboard culinary team focuses on utilizing fresh local ingredients. Dishes are paired with local wines. There’s absolutely no mass-produced and basic buffet food when you cruise with AmaWaterways!

9. Variety of Experience
Let’s not forget just how special every European country is! The towns and cities may be close in proximity along the river, but don’t be surprised by the unique feeling and experiences that each destination gives you. Choose from visiting local breweries, hiking to castles, biking through trendy neighborhoods or visiting museums that highlight the local culture.
10. World-Class Accommodations
​One of the reasons we love river cruises so much (and we know you’ll agree) is the feeling of walking into a luxurious suite or twin-balcony stateroom that will be your home away from home for the next 7, 8, 10 days or more. Each of AmaWaterways staterooms is tastefully decorated and is river facing. Whether you choose to have a window view, a private balcony, or even a twin balcony (with both a French and outside balcony), you’ll always have a room with a view.
 
So, there you have it. 10 great reasons why you’ll love your first river cruise on AmaWaterways.
 
We’d love to match your travel style with the right itinerary and ship. As a certified AmaWaterways travel advisor, we can explain the subtle differences between Ama and other river cruise brands.  Reach out to Journeys4Life today and be sure to mention if you’re planning a romantic getaway, bachelorette trip or a friends’ reunion and we’ll let you know the add-ons available that will make your experience truly special.