Few things are more breathtaking than a river cruise down the legendary waterways of Europe, and Avalon Waterways has designed a 13-day voyage from Amsterdam to Vienna that sails the magnificent Rhine, Main and Danube rivers; a feat that wasn’t possible until the completion of the Main-Danube canal in the early 1990′s. Now, a remarkable series of locks transports your river cruise ship from the Main river to the Danube, effectively uniting the continent’s waterway system and allowing voyages from Amsterdam that traverse as far as the Black Sea.

Vienna boasts some of the most impressive cultural sights in Europe. Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders

Departing March 24, June 6, and August 11, 2012, these 13-day European Splendor itineraries offer some of the best ports for both experienced and first-time river cruisers, and the nearly two-week duration ensures that your time here is enjoyable and well-spent. If you want, you can add extra nights pre-cruise in Amsterdam or post-cruise in Vienna.

The full itinerary:

In addition to the thirteen spectacular days spent exploring some of the most picturesque and historic European cities, you can also revel in your home away from home, the stunning Avalon Imagery. A sister-ship to the Avalon Tapestry, both ships are easily distinguished by their immense double-deck walls of floor-to-ceiling glass that adorn the forward end of the ship, and by their aft-mounted navigation bridge and engine equipment that allows guests a quieter, smoother cruise down the waterways of Europe.

Avalon Tapestry sailing along the Moselle in Germany. Photo courtesy of Avalon Waterways.

Staterooms onboard the Avalon Imagery range from comfortable Deluxe Oceanview staterooms at 172 square feet to the top-of-the-line 258-square foot Avalon Suite. For cruisers wanting the best of both worlds, a French Balcony stateroom is the perfect choice; after all, there’s nothing like waking up and cracking open the door of your very own balcony to take in the sights and scents of the Old World.

More information on this and other Avalon Waterways voyages can be found on our dedicated Avalon Waterways page right here on River Cruise Advisor!

In April, AmaWaterways will take delivery of their newest vessel: the elegantly appointed AmaCerto. While she may look similar to her sleek sisters at first glance, there’s no shortage of reasons to sail aboard her next spring.

Some staterooms aboard AmaCerto will feature a unique "twin balcony" concept. Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways.

Capable of holding just 164 guests, the AmaCerto is based largely upon the successful AmaBella and AmaVerde, which joined the AmaWaterways fleet in 2010 and 2011, respectively. At 443 feet in length, the AmaCerto offers up all the fantastic features and amenities that made her predecessors such a hit with passengers.

Take the line’s Twin Balcony concept. Aboard AmaCerto, guests in Category AA, AB, BB and Suites are treated to staterooms that feature both French and full walk-out balconies, all within the same room. These rooms measure a very generous 210 to 235 square feet, while Suites come in at 350 square feet – an almost unheard of size among river cruise vessels.

Popular lounges, like the aft lounge aboard AmaDolce, return aboard the new AmaCerto. Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways.

AmaCerto also offers staterooms equipped with a single French balcony. These Category C staterooms come in at a roomy 170 square feet – the same size as most staterooms on the lines’ other vessels. Down on the Piano Deck, accommodations featuring fixed windows replicate the feel of Oceanview staterooms found on deep-ocean cruise ships and represent an excellent choice for the budget-conscious.

Most other AmaWaterways vessels in Europe are 360 feet long, and with her expanded length, AmaCerto is able to offer her passengers a little more of, well, everything. In addition to an outdoor sun deck high atop the ship, one deck down on Violin Deck passengers can utilize the Massage and Hair Salon, the fitness room, or the cozy aft lounge. All the way forward, the main Lounge has been expanded to offer more seating and boasts stunning 180-degree views of the surrounding countryside.

One deck down, the Restaurant has also been expanded. Guests sailing aboard any AmaWaterways ship are treated to complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks with dinner, meaning you don’t have to worry about the cost of that glass of wine. You can simply enjoy the excellent food and the magnificent views.

Be the first to sail down the Danube aboard AmaCerto next year. Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways.

Other included niceties aboard AmaWaterways include complimentary internet access, a 24-hour specialty coffee and tea station, a heated swimming pool, an in-stateroom Infotainment centre offering first-run Hollywood movies, and even a passenger elevator, the presence of which can be rare among many river cruise ships.

So where is AmaCerto spending her maiden season in operation? Next year, you can experience this magnificent ship firsthand on the following itineraries:

For more information on AmaWaterways and the forthcoming AmaCerto, be sure to view our complete AmaWaterways fleet overview right here on River Cruise Advisor!

One of the premiere river cruise experiences along the waterways of Europe are without a doubt the spring “Tulip Time” cruises that explore the colorful floral landscapes of Belgium and the Netherlands.

A Tulip Time cruise is a fantastic way to see the best that Belgium and the Netherlands have to offer. Itinerary map courtesy of AmaWaterways

Beginning on March 28, 2012 and continuing on until the end of April, AmaWaterways returns to this beautiful region of Europe to offer its luxurious brand of river cruising on 7-night “Tulip Time” cruises. Even better, AmaWaterways is offering numerous departures aboard the line’s sleek, elegant AmaLyra, AmaVerde, AmaDante and AmaDolce.

The full itinerary:

If you’re looking for an added “WOW!” factor, why not be among the first to sail aboard AmaWaterways’ newest gem, the elegantly appointed AmaCerto.  She’ll debut in April of next year, operating this popular itinerary on April 12 and April 19, 2012.

A rendering of one of the elegant, modern staterooms featured aboard AmaWaterways' upcoming AmaCerto. Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways.

Besides the stellar river cruise experience, which allows you to explore numerous cities and sights while unpacking just once, your time ashore on these Tulip Time voyages is likely to be a memorable one; in fact, 2012 may be the perfect year to experience the spring season in Europe, thanks largely in part to the return of one of the most highly sought after festivals: the Floriade Exposition.

The Floriade Exposition is the one of the world’s largest horticultural shows, with more than 100 exhibitors from across the globe. Often referred to as the “Theatre of Nature,” the exposition revolves around five unique “worlds,” each offering its own décor and cultural programs that allow visitors to interact with the beauty and majesty of nature in an ever-changing fashion.

The Floriade Exposition is one of the largest horticultural exhibitions in the world. Photo courtesy of Floriade 2012.

Floriade only comes around once every decade, so your next chance to take part in this remarkable event won’t occur until – you guessed it – 2022. Next year, guests sailing with AmaWaterways can explore this once-in-a-decade feature during their port call in Nijmegen, Netherlands.

But it’s not just horticulture lovers that will find themselves entranced; the rich histories of Belgium and Holland run back centuries, and their idyllic combination of lush, rolling hills, iconic windmills, and historic cities are sure to impress even the most seasoned traveller.

While Amsterdam’s appeal is universal, AmaWaterways has also included off-the-beaten-path itinerary calls to places like Volendam and Edam. In Arnhem, guests have the opportunity to see the Arnhem Bridge which was featured in A Bridge Too Far.

Guests can even choose to explore the Belgian capital of Antwerp or take an optional tour from Antwerp to nearby Brussels to enhance their exploration for an additional € 45 per person.

The inviting bar aboard Amadante. Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways

Of course, travelling with AmaWaterways is a unique event unto itself. The line’s high standard of service, coupled with popular features like complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with dinner; complimentary bottled water replaced daily in staterooms; complimentary first-run movies and WiFi internet access; and a variety of complimentary tours ashore geared to both active and casual travellers means enjoying yourself won’t be an issue onboard your river cruise ship or ashore.

Next year may truly be the best time to take a Tulip Time cruise with AmaWaterways, so don’t wait – these sailings are likely to fill up fast due to their continuing popularity!

For more information on AmaWaterways and their fleet, be sure to check out our AmaWaterways line and river cruise ship profiles here on The Avid Cruiser!