How You’ll Spend Your Time Aboard a River Cruise

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.

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