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!

Next year is shaping up to be a fantastic time to cruise the waterways of Europe. Between April and October, one of the world’s most sought-after expositions will return to the region for the first time in a decade.

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

The Floriade Exposition, which takes place in the Dutch city of Venlo, is the one of the world’s largest horticultural shows, featuring 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 their own décor and cultural programs that allow visitors to interact with the beauty and majesty of nature in an ever-changing fashion.

Of course, river cruising and the Floriade Exposition go hand-in-hand. In order to properly showcase this one-of-a-kind event, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has gone all-out, crafting two specially planned itineraries for 2012 departing aboard the intimate River Ambassador: the seven-night Gems of Germany, Belgium and The Netherlands with Floriade and the more in-depth 14-night Grand Treasures of Europe.

River Ambassador seen in the historic city of Cologne. Photo courtesy of Uniworld River Cruises.

Not a horticulture nut? Don’t worry; these itineraries offer a compelling mix of historical appeal, scenic cruising, and plenty of time sailing the breathtakingly beautiful waterways of Europe.

The full Gems of Germany, Belgium and The Netherlands with Floriade itinerary, from Brussels to Cologne:

If you’re looking for something a little more in-depth, you’ll surely love Uniworld’s 14-night Treasures of Europe itinerary, which includes an additional two night stay at the gorgeous Art Deco Imperial Hotel in Prague; a fitting way to top off your river cruise.

For those who haven’t been river cruising before, it’s tough to resist the uniqueness of these 2012 sailings. A river cruise can also be a great value; something that is increasingly important to travelers – and for good reason. Aboard the River Ambassador, most beverages, including fine wines, beer and soft drinks are complimentary during lunch and dinner, as are all transfers on arrival and departure days and a whole host of guided shore excursions when in port.

One of the colourful suites aboard Uniworld's River Ambassador. Photo courtesy of Uniworld River Cruises

It also helps that Uniworld is no stranger to these waters. In fact, the company operates more than 500 departures sailing on 13 rivers in some 20 countries.  While the line earned its stellar reputation on the waterways of Europe, Uniworld also operates in Russia, Egypt, China, Vietnam and Cambodia.

Floriade will run from April 5 to October 7, 2012. The popularity of the exposition coupled with the increasing demand for river cruises could make these itineraries some of the most sought-after in years.

For more information on Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, be sure to check out our line and fleet overviews right here on River Cruise Advisor.

Flowers in Keukenhof. Photo courtesy of Uniworld River Cruises

River cruises offer guests the chance to get up-close and personal with their surroundings. Land is never out of sight, and the beautiful passing countryside combined with the “unpack once” convenience of a cruise has made river cruising one of the most popular ways to explore Europe.

One itinerary in particular has proven to be exceptionally popular, especially for beginning river cruisers: the famous springtime Tulips and Windmills voyages.

Typically operated between late March and early May, these river cruises sail throughout the Netherlands and Belgium, and offer guests the chance to experience the rich history of these regions along with their natural springtime beauty and famous flowers. In fact, more than 70 percent of the world’s flower supply comes from this one region alone; impressive if you consider how many flowers there are.

So popular are these cruises that they’re offered by nearly every river cruise line, including AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Tauck World Discovery, Uniworld, and Viking River Cruises. If you’ve never been to this region of Northern Europe before, or have never taken a river cruise, these voyages are the perfect starting point.

Not into flowers or windmills? There’s still plenty to enjoy here. The Netherlands is famous for its cheese, and there’s nothing like “real” Belgian chocolate to stimulate the taste buds.

So what does a typical Tulips and Windmills itinerary look like? Have a look at this itinerary operated by AmaWaterways [read more]