Experience these inaugural AmaWaterways journeys in 2025
If you are already planning a European getaway, why not maximize your international airfare and extend your journey another week? Longer vacations are growing in popularity, and we have curated three all-new 14-night itineraries through Europe debuting in 2025 and other exciting additions to our river cruise journeys!
New River Cruise Seasons Offer New Rewards
At AmaWaterways, innovation is part of our DNA and we are always looking for new experiences to please our guests. Our new expanded European river cruise seasons in November and December and our newest series of Danube and Rhine cruises starting in February have received wonderful feedback from guests traveling during these periods of the year. Besides encountering fewer tourists, they have also found local communities settled into a more relaxed pace of life with more time to share their unique culture and delicious food and wine. And in addition to cruise and airfare savings, there are many unexpected rewards for those that are open to trying something different.
Cruise the Seine and Beyond
Explore France to your heart’s content with our two new 14-night itineraries with attractive cruise prices that include your ship-to-ship transfers! During both of these longer journeys, you will enjoy seven nights on the Seine River, taking in the shining lights of Paris and following in the footsteps of historic Impressionists painters. After seven nights, disembark your ship and transfer by train to your second ship for the next leg of your journey.
On our Grand Seine & Bordeaux itinerary, explore the world-famous Bordeaux wine region, savoring the renowned Grand Cru Classé wine and elegant châteaux along the Garonne and Dordogne rivers. If you embark on our Grand Seine & Rhône itinerary, enjoy an exceptional experience along the Rhône River, immersing yourself in the culinary delights of Lyon, medieval village wonders of Les Baux de Provence, and the reflections of ancient Roman influence in Avignon.
The Netherlands and the Rhine
Unearth hidden gems in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, and Switzerland when you embark on our new 14-night Grand Rhine & Dutch Canals itinerary! Explore Belgium’s “City of Diamonds,” Antwerp. During your extended time in Amsterdam, take in the works of Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh on our included tour inside the breathtaking Rijksmuseum. Transport yourself back in time as you visit villages straight out of storybooks such as Rüdesheim and Colmar. Glide through the Rhine Gorge, witnessing the splendor of over 40 castles along the riverbanks while also enjoying the opportunity to explore iconic Dutch fortresses such as Castle de Haar – all in the same river cruise journey.
The Best of the Danube
The year also brings an all-new itinerary to the Danube River. Designed and personally endorsed by Co-Founder Rudi Scheiner, our 7-night Best of the Danube itinerary invites you to immerse yourself in the exceptional experiences that this legendary river has to offer. Roundtrip from Budapest, this river cruise journey captures the imperial history of Old-World Europe along the Danube River as it flourished beneath towering fortresses and inspired legendary artists and musicians. Throughout your journey, you will visit the river’s legendary capitals: Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna – where AmaWaterways’ Co-Founder Rudi Schreiner, the visionary “Godfather of River Cruising,” was born and raised. Encounter fascinating architecture from Melk’s golden-hued Benedictine abbey to Vienna’s magnificent Schönbrunn Palace. Plus, follow The Sound of Music through sprawling Salzburg, the incomparable birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. With an abundance of scenic cruising, a focus on grand cities and popular landmarks, and the ease of traveling roundtrip from Budapest, this special itinerary is our Co-Founder Rudi Schreiner’s top-choice itinerary for 2025 – and you can be among the first to experience it!
New Destinations and Excursions on Well-Loved Itineraries
If you have sailed our Tulip Time itinerary before, return to the Netherlands and Belgium and enjoy all-new destinations! Starting in 2025, explore picturesque Giethoorn, known as the “Dutch Venice” featuring thatched roof houses connected by flowing canals, and Bruinisse, a quaint village frozen in time. In both 2024 and 2025, guests embarking on our Gems of Southeast Europe river cruise can also look forward to new excursions in Vukovar, Croatia. Visit the Vucedol Museum, home to fascinating exhibits on prehistoric culture and one of the most important archaeological sites in Europe, or choose a guided tour of Osijek, a Roman settlement turned impressive city.
Bonus: Magnificent Europe Returns!
Back by popular demand, our Magnificent Europe river cruise will be embarking once more in 2025, exploring the majesty of this continent between Budapest, Hungary, and Amsterdam, Netherlands! For the first time since 2019, guests can glide along both the storied Danube and Rhine rivers, connected by the famous Main-Danube Canal, on this exceptional 14-night itinerary. Taste your way through Europe, sipping iconic Rüdesheimer coffee in the town the beverage was named for and biting into a savory bratwurst during a special Franconian tasting tour in Nuremberg, Germany.
Contact STS travel to start planning your 2025 river cruise today!
February’s Splendor on the Danube and Rhine
Perhaps you hail from a warmer climate and yearn to experience all the wintertime delights Europe has to offer. There is nothing quite like waking up and parting the curtains in your twin-balcony stateroom to see a castle peeking through the fog. On shore, you may experience the romance of a quiet cityscape dusted in snow or the joy of lacing up ice skates while admiring Budapest’s beautiful architecture. After your day on shore, our wonderful crew will welcome you home with a mug of hot mulled wine or a steaming cup of lemon tea. February is also the perfect time to visit one of Budapest’s famous Szechenyi Baths. While on the Rhine River, a guest-favorite excursion in Rüdesheim is watching locals make Rüdesheimer coffee with Asbach brandy. The presentation of the coffee cups being lit aflame always delights our guests, and the strength of the drink, enjoyed here or while castle-watching on the sun deck cruising through the Rhine Gorge, helps everyone warm up!
November’s Seasonal Wonders
A highlight of November in Europe is the golden hues from the colorful autumn leaves best appreciated during one of our guided bike tours through Strasbourg or Dusseldorf or a hike on the Philosopher’s Path in Heidelberg. In autumn, many cities decorate their town squares in harvest themes, and in Austria, you can still find some lively Heuriger (small rustic wine taverns) open to sample the season’s new wines. Starting mid-November, guests can enjoy our festively decorated ships and may even visit early season Christmas Markets in cities like Vienna and Budapest when the crowds are small, and the market stands are freshly filled with the most sought-after holiday souvenirs.
Easier Access and Shorter Lines
February is a great time to visit local museums as there are typically less groups and shorter lines. From Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum to Vienna’s Museum of Fine Arts and House of Music, our guests often enjoy more personal space and quicker access as they move about the collections on display.
More Time to Personally Interact with the Locals and Provide Benefit to the Communities Visited
Whether you are making a purchase from a local vendor in Avignon, France or dining in a Michelin-rated restaurant in Lyon, traveling when there are less crowds overall makes it easier for you to have unhurried personal conversations with those who live and work in the towns where our ships dock. We believe travel is a force of good in the world, and having the time to linger in shops and interact with locals leads to a deeper connection with the people and places we visit. Extending employment and economic benefits of tourism over a longer period of time in the year is also a benefit to the local communities and adds to the sustainability of river cruising.
More Time to Experience Shipboard Amenities
Whether the chill in the air brings you back to the warmth of the ship earlier in the day or as a past guest having visited the region before, our river cruises during the new expanded season often give you the perfect opportunity to experience more of the ship’s amenities. Often overlooked is our complimentary all day tapas menu served in the Lounge and our delightful afternoon teatime on board, a perfect time to relax with a selection of teas and a tiered tray of petite sandwiches and miniature fruit tarts and cakes. Our onboard Wellness Hosts also offer a variety of fitness classes throughout the day – or you may prefer to treat yourself to a massage. For guests traveling on the Danube on board AmaMagna, we also have a cozy onboard cinema, an expansive wellness studio and will even keep the heated sundeck pool and hot tub open for those that relish an invigorating dip!
River cruising during these new expanded seasons offers a chance to mix with the local communities and experience popular cities and tranquil towns in ways much different than those offered at other times of the year. For more travel ideas, you might enjoy reading our Connections article, Hidden Gems of the Off-Peak Seasons and checking availability for our Holiday Triple Savings Offer, February 2025 departures for Magna on the Danube, Enchanting Rhine and Captivating Rhine plus November and December dates for Enticing Douro in Portugal.
Favorite European Itinerary? You might be surprised by Rudi’s and mine!
As co-founders, Rudi and I have always enjoyed exploring faraway countries and developing river cruises in fascinating destinations like Colombia, Egypt, South Africa and Vietnam and Cambodia. But we also have a strong attachment to our European cruises that reflect our personal heritage and showcase our shared culinary passion for fresh local ingredients and regional wine offerings. With over 30 itineraries on 12 delightful rivers in Europe to choose from, you might be surprised to learn which ones Rudi and I have chosen as our personal favorites for cruising in 2025!
Rudi’s Pick
Affectionately known as the “godfather of river cruising”, Rudi was born and raised in Austria and has personally curated a new itinerary for 2025 – Best of the Danube – celebrating the rich culture and musical history of his birthplace. Rudi designed this special itinerary to include an overnight stay docked in the center of Vienna with ample time for guests to discover the culinary riches of his hometown. Also incorporated is an abundance of daytime river cruising perfectly planned to sip a glass or two of Austria’s Grüner Veltliner wine while taking in the scenic Wachau Valley, a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. For repeating guests who may have already visited Salzburg, the incomparable birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, a day to discover the charming Czech mountain town of Český Krumlov is definitely a must-see inclusion of this new itinerary.
As an added convenience, this 7-night cruise starts and ends in Budapest, Hungary which often results in less expensive airfares and makes our 2-night pre-cruise land package in Budapest a wonderful addition to the cruise.
Kristin’s Pick
Most river cruisers have heard stories about, or experienced, the enchanting castle-laden journey through the spectacular Rhine Gorge, but my “favorite” itinerary through my home country of Germany also takes guests on a side journey down Germany’s less traveled Moselle River. Meandering through the steepest vineyards in Europe and visiting up to three picturesque German villages along the way, guests can take their time to enjoy historical castles in Cochem and Bernkastel and the unexpected Roman ruins in Trier. There are so many opportunities for hiking and biking along the Moselle River and did I almost forget to mention how the Riesling wines from this region are considered some of the finest white wines produced in the world?
AmaMagna’s Godmother and beloved travel tv host, Samantha Brown, calls quieter experiences like those found along the Moselle River, the “commas” of travel. While the mighty Rhine never fails to deliver its “exclamation” mark experiences, the gentle Moselle adds the “comma” moments perfect for returning guests to sit back and reflect on, or hike and pedal through, the natural beauty all around you.
Slowing down to appreciate a destination has become an important element of how modern travelers define luxury, and for that reason my favorite itineraries for 2025 are the 10-night Rhine & Moselle Delights and 11-night Rhine & Moselle Fairytales. We have just created a new video that I am sure you will enjoy: The Best Cruises on the Rhine & Moselle Rivers (youtube.com).
Our Guests’ Pick
Whichever itinerary you have in mind for 2025 or 2026, rest assured that our exceptional Cruise Managers and wonderful crew are waiting to welcome you and make it your “favorite” itinerary ever!
Celebrating 22 Years on the Rivers with a New Family Member on the Nile
We recently welcomed a new member to the AmaWaterways family, and her name is AmaLilia. Along with the elegant AmaDahlia, AmaLilia is gracefully cruising down the Nile taking our guests on a mesmerizing journey between Luxor and Aswan as they discover the ancient treasures that lie along the banks of this life-giving river.
Since starting AmaWaterways 22 years ago, there have been so many remarkable travel moments and incredible memories but one that stands out was September 6, 2021, when Rudi Schreiner and I were in Cairo to welcome the first 72 guests on AmaDahlia’s maiden voyage on the Nile. Almost instantly, the ship was fully booked and for almost two years, AmaDahlia cruised at 100% occupancy. We heard from many of our loyal guests who were disappointed when they weren’t able to reserve early enough to secure their preferred travel date. We knew we just had to add a second ship on the Nile to meet the demand and started almost immediately on constructing a ship to cruise alongside
AmaDahlia. We are thrilled that the 82-passenger AmaLilia is now also welcoming our guests with 28 staterooms, 13 spacious suites, unique décor, well equipped gym and laidback elegance of The Chef’s Table restaurant.
The comfortable Sun Decks on both ships offer 360-degree views of the ever-changing vistas on the Nile. The refreshing sundeck swimming pools and shaded lounge areas are a perfect place to cool off after a full day of exploring under the careful guidance of our knowledgeable Egyptologists.
Departing on different days of the week, AmaLilia and AmaDahlia are both part of our 11-day Egyptian cruise and land package filled with exclusive experiences and included curated guided tours. We enjoy private docking arrangements in Luxor and Aswan and guests can rest at ease knowing that we collaborate with wonderful local partners to ensure that safety and security always remain a top priority throughout the journey. All guests are met at the Cairo airport by our tour director who takes care of every detail starting with three nights in Cairo pre-cruise before flying down to Luxor for the 7-night round trip cruise between Luxor and Aswan and returning for one night in Cairo post-cruise. AmaLilia guests enjoy their Cairo stay at The St. Regis while AmaDahlia guests relax at the equally beautiful The Nile Ritz-Carlton.
While it’s hard to pick favorite experiences, three highlights for me were the majestic Pyramids of Giza in Cairo, the ancient tombs visited at The Valley of Kings and Queens in Luxor and felucca sailing with lunch at the Nubian village of Hessa.
While AmaDahlia and AmaLilia are on their summer break for July and August, cruising will resume at the beginning of September which is a wonderful time to visit this iconic destination with fewer crowds. I highly recommend sharing this lifechanging, educational experience with children and grandchildren and if time permits, also adding Jordan as a fascinating post-cruise extension.
Whichever ship you choose, it will be an unforgettable journey. The thrill of discovering the vibrant colors on the walls of long forgotten tombs is only matched by the spectacular sunsets that take your breath away each evening and the kindness and attentive service provided by our Egyptian crew.
As July 1 marks our 22nd anniversary, we take pride in remembering and celebrating the many remarkable past events, long term partnerships, wonderful employees and loyal guests that have helped us grow into the company we are today, but I am most excited about our future projects. We have finalized plans for introducing nine more ships over the next 3 years cruising on the Magdalena River in Colombia and Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia, as well as in Europe on the Douro, Danube and Rhine rivers – including a sister ship for AmaMagna. I can promise that more details will be coming soon!
Top FAQs for First-Time River Cruisers
Find out everything from what’s included to how to dress on board our river cruises.
Planning to cruise with AmaWaterways for the first time but not sure what to expect? We have curated a list of questions submitted by first-time river cruisers to give you a better picture of the unparalleled experiences you will have while traveling with us.
What makes AmaWaterways different from other river cruise lines?
One point that sets us apart is our European heritage. Our Co-Founder, Rudi Schreiner, grew up in Europe along the Danube River. Each of our itineraries is thoughtfully curated with his guidance. His expertise and relationships forged throughout the years have enabled us to offer exclusive experiences just for AmaWaterways guests, such as our year-round Oktoberfest celebration in Vilshofen, Germany, as well as our private tour of Lahneck Castle on the Rhine River. We warmly welcome multi-generational families on board and accommodate our guests with their choice from up to eight enriching guided excursions each day, as well as three unique activity levels on our walking tours – all of which is included in our river cruise fare. For more points of distinction, click here.
Which meals and beverages are included in my river cruise fare?
Every breakfast, lunch and dinner during your river cruise will be included on board. This includes dinner at The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant, all-day tapas, afternoon tea delights and more. Every lunch and dinner includes unlimited complimentary fine wines, beer and soft drinks. And each day you will be treated to a complimentary Sip & Sail cocktail hour with wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks. Select itineraries, such as our Secrets of Egypt & the Nile, Enticing Douro and Flavors of Portugal & Spain sailings, also include a select number of meals on shore. Guests reserving our optional land packages will also find daily breakfast at their hotel included in the price of their package.
How do I make reservations for The Chef’s Table restaurant?
Every guest will have the opportunity to enjoy a complimentary multi-course dining experience one evening at The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant. Reservations are made on board at the Reception Desk. You may inquire about available times once you embark. Please note: The Chef’s Table is not available in Portugal.
I have food allergies/dietary restrictions. Will AmaWaterways be able to accommodate me?
AmaWaterways happily provides delicious alternative meals, desserts and snacks for guests with food allergies, or who require low-sodium, gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan diets. Please let us know of any dietary accommodations you require at the time of reservation. For severe allergies, we also recommend meeting with a member of our Culinary Team once you embark. Although we do not have a kosher kitchen on board, we are able to provide “kosher-friendly” meals.
I have somewhat limited mobility and occasionally walk with a cane. Will I be able to participate in AmaWaterways’ excursions?
On AmaWaterways’ European ships, there are a limited number of canes with small sport seats as well as Nordic walking sticks to assist our guests who need extra support during excursions. We also offer “gentle walkers” tours which typically move at a comfortable pace and make more frequent stops. Due to uneven terrain, a lack of handicap amenities, and a fair amount of stairs, our Portugal itineraries are not recommended for guests with limited mobility. In addition, our Mekong River itineraries sometimes require embarkation or disembarkation via a narrow gangway or local tender boat, or occasionally require crossing a dirt or grass-covered surface to reach the ship. Please inquire with your travel advisor or our Reservations Team to ensure which itineraries and destinations are the best suited for your needs.
If I get seasick on boats or on ocean cruise ships, will I get seasick on the rivers?
Absolutely not! The rivers we sail are calm bodies of water and our ships experience no waves or rocking motions – the primary cause for seasickness. Our ships also move along at a gentle pace and you can always see land on both sides of the river, removing any additional anxiety for those who may feel stranded out on the open water.
What kind of equipment is available inside your fitness rooms?
While our fitness rooms vary from ship to ship, they will typically include a treadmill, elliptical machine or spin bike, as well as an assortment of free weights. During our complimentary onboard wellness activities, yoga mats and other equipment such as resistance bands will be available and will be thoroughly cleaned after each use. Most of our ships in Europe include a fleet of complimentary bikes for you to use on our guided bike tours or for your individual exploration ashore. Exclusively available on board AmaMagna, the Zen Wellness Studio also includes outdoor spin bikes, two massage rooms, a hair and nail salon and a juice bar as well as a fully equipped full-sized pickleball court on the Sun Deck. Our ships in Europe and on the Mekong River also offer a complimentary Wellness Program with host-led activities in the Main Lounge, shoreside or up on the Sun Deck – weather permitting.
What if I want to explore a port on my own – are we required to stay with the group on AmaWaterways’ excursions?
While we offer a wide variety of included excursions to suit your individual interests and encourage you to join us, you are of course welcome to explore on your own. We will be happy to provide you with a map of each port at our reception desk, and you will find the city’s highlights marked. Your Cruise Manager can also help recommend restaurants, shops, museums, bars and more. In addition, you may choose to reserve a complimentary bicycle to pedal further along the river or into any port city. Just be sure to check your Daily Cruiser onboard newsletter to ensure you are back on board the ship before it departs for the next port. On very select rivers and itineraries, the Personal Audio Device we use for shore excursions can also be used for your individual exploration, as pre-recorded commentary may play, based on your current GPS location. Your Cruise Manager will explain more when applicable.
What should I bring to wear for my river cruise? Do I need formal attire?
Plan to pack attire that is casually elegant; and something a little dressier to wear to the Captain’s Dinner or an evening concert. Bring comfortable walking shoes for shore excursions and one pair of dressier shoes. You may be traveling through different climates and altitudes, so layering is advisable. For more helpful information by destination, click here.
Can I bring my curling iron or hair straightener on board?
For safety reasons, the use of your personal curling iron or hair straightener is restricted on board the ship. A limited number of curling irons / hair straighteners are available for you to borrow at reception. However, you may leave your hair dryer at home as there is one in every stateroom.
How are gratuities handled – and what is the suggested amount?
Although we leave gratuities to your discretion, many guests have asked for general tipping guidelines. Gratuities may be charged on a credit card or given in cash. For a 7-night cruise in Europe, the below is recommended:
Ship’s Crew: The entire amount will be divided equally amongst all crew members. Recommendation: 100 Euros per cruise, per guest. (AmaMagna: 120 Euros per cruise, per guest)
Cruise Manager: Your Cruise Manager is not part of the ship’s crew and is the AmaWaterways representative who also accompanies you on any pre- and/or post-cruise land packages you may have reserved. Recommendation: 25 Euros per cruise, per guest; 4 Euros for each additional day, per guest for pre- and post-cruise land packages.
For tipping guidelines in other destinations, click here.
Still have questions? Visit our FAQs page, learn more about river cruising with AmaWaterways, contact S.T.S at 469-846-8004. We hope to see you on board soon
