As demand for river cruising continues to grow, so do the options for those who love to peruse the world’s waterways in style. Here are 10 AmaWaterways river cruises not to be missed.
Whether you’re wanting to wander the fairytale villages along Germany’s Romantic Road, or cruise along the Mekong – one of the longest and largest rivers in the world, these river cruises are not only postcard-worthy – you can also expect to come out richer for the communities you’ll meet along the way.
The Danube, Europe
From the Iron Gate, the last gorge on the Danube River, to fortress visits and wine tastings, you’ll cover all the gems of southeast Europe as you venture from Budapest to the Romanian city of Giurgiu.
Medieval towns and grand cities give way to the natural beauty of pastoral landscapes. Bike through Belgrade’s sprawling Kalemegdan Park, while wine connoisseurs will have a chance to taste history from the centuries-old wine-growing hills dating back to the Romans in Croatia.
The Moselle River, Europe
Vineyards of the Rhine and Moselle
Begin your trip along Amsterdam’s legendary canals, then head to Cologne to taste Kölsch beer and venture into one of Germany’s most important wine regions, the Moselle Valley – home to Riesling.
Castle visits and stepping inside the Gutenberg Museum, one of the oldest printing museums in the world, await.
It’s called the Romantic Road for a reason, and on this tour, you’ll have a chance to visit the many fairytale villages that line the popular German tour route.
There are also a multitude of castles, vineyard-clad hills and a visit to the largest ceiling fresco in the world in the Würzburg Residenz, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site.
As well as dramatic scenery, you’ll savour the many flavours of Germany with a chance to sample the world-famed wines of the Rheingau and the hearty smoked beer of Bamberg.
Dutch and Belgium waterways
Is there’s better place to celebrate spring than Netherlands and Belgium? We don’t think so.
Experience the whimsical Kinderdijk windmills, discover the timeless traditions of Delft porcelain and revel in the medieval architectural treasures of Bruges or Ghent.
Throughout your journey, indulge in Belgian chocolates, warm waffles and delicious cheeses – all while soaking up the storybook atmosphere of the region.
Castles, chocolates, canals and river cruising – if that all sounds like music to your ears, this is the cruise for you.
Listen to the distinctive clanks and charms of mechanical instruments at Utrecht’s Museum Speelklok, admire the architecture and artistry of castles that include Utrecht’s de Haar, Brussels’ Gaasbeek Castle and Ghent’s Castle of the Counts of Flanders while you inhale the aroma of freshly pressed Belgian waffles and street fries.
The Magdalena River, Colombia
In April, AmaWaterways’ AmaMagdalena made history by becoming the first ship from a major cruise line to set sail on Colombia’s Magdalena River, giving a rare glimpse into Colombia’s rich history, traditions, and local delicacies.
A trip here is not only historic, it’s full of the colour and culture only Colombia can bring with an exclusive Jazz street performance and a floating village tour in Sitio Nuevo.
Chobe River, Africa
Keen to tick off the Big Five? South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park and Chobe National Park are the places to do it.
As well as a four-night river safari cruise along the Chobe, you’ll get a chance to experience one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the UNESCO Heritage-listed Victoria Falls.
Stay in five-star lodges, then return to Johannesburg for two nights to soak up its rich heritage and follow in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela.
Get the best of both worlds in slow travel, gliding down the river and then reliving a bygone era on the luxury Rovos Rail.
Start in Cape Town, cradled by the imposing Table Mountain, Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head. From here, fly to Kasane, Botswana, for a four-night Zambezi Queen wildlife and safari cruise. Cruising on the Chobe River and the UNESCO-designated Victoria Falls are also included, along with five-star cuisine and renowned South African wines.
Mekong, Asia
Cruise along the Mekong through Cambodia and Vietnam as you are transported back in time to another era where the rhythms of the countryside move at a slower pace and allow a glimpse into a traditional way of life.
Visit rural villages, colourful markets and a monastery and delve into the peaks and valleys of Cambodia’s history in the Royal Palace and National Museums of its beautiful capital, Phnom Penh.
Witness skilled artisans who create exquisite handicrafts and delicacies, and be treated to authentic experiences, including rides via oxcart, tuk-tuk and trishaw – a transformative journey, revealing the vibrant world along the shores of the Mekong.
Ho Chi Minh City, once known as the “Pearl of the Orient”, is your starting point for this exploration of Vietnam and Cambodia.
Cruise along the mighty Mekong and immerse yourself in rural villages, historic pagodas and colourful markets.
You’ll receive a special blessing from monks in a Buddhist monastery and witness skilled artisans who create exquisite handicrafts and delicacies.
Why choose AmaWaterways?
- All excursions are included
AmaWaterways has curated a diverse menu of shore excursions included as part of your cruise fare, from tours for gentle to active walkers, city tours, guided hikes, exhilarating bike rides, and tastings of local specialties.
- Award-winning dining experiences included
With membership in the internationally recognised La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, and Tables et Auberges de France, AmaWaterways prepares exquisite, regionally inspired cuisine using locally sourced ingredients. You can also enjoy complimentary hand-selected wines and local beers during every lunch and dinner on board.
- The luxury of space
The award-winning fleet has fewer guests than many traditional river cruise ships. AmaMagna offers enhanced personal space with more than 50 per cent luxury suite accommodations as well as four unique dining venues, a chic onboard cinema and an expansive Zen Wellness Studio.
- Well-being onboard
Dedicated Wellness Hosts onboard hold complimentary small-group fitness classes. For a gentler approach to wellness, take a dip in the sun-deck pool or indulge in a spa treatment. Healthy cuisine prepared with seasonal ingredients is always available, as are vegetarian, gluten-free and low-sodium choices.
- Service
Cruise Managers are the best in the industry: destination experts with extensive experience in providing personalised service and they are there for you every step of your journey, including during our optional land packages before and after your river cruise.
- Stay connected
Onboard is high-quality complimentary Wi-Fi and the myAmaCruise app allows you to view and share an interactive map that follows your river cruise itinerary, share photos with friends and family, learn about each port of call, find available excursions and even access your electronic travel documents.
For more information, visit AmaWaterways, email resaunz@amawaterways.com or call 1800 867 126.
This article was brought to you by AmaWaterways
