The History of AmaWaterways
AmaWaterways” Austrian founder Rudi Schreiner was involved with several of the other major river cruise companies before launching his own line in 2002 along with cruise industry executive Kristin Karst and Brendan Worldwide Vacations owner Jimmy Murphy. Formerly known as Amadeus Waterways, AmaWaterways has grown exponentially in the intervening nine years to become one of the major players in the European river cruise market.
The 2009-built AmaDolce docked in Budapest, Hungary. Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders
The company now boasts a fleet of twelve modern river cruise ships: Amadagio (2006), Amalegro (2007), Amacello (2008), Amadante (2008), Amalyra (2009), Amadolce (2009), and Amabella ( 2010). The line is scheduled to take delivery of its newest vessel, Amaverde, this year, and Amacerto in April, 2012.
Additionally, the completely refurbished Amakatarina (212 passengers) has been deployed in Russia, operating insightful cruises between Moscow and St. Petersburg (replacing the older Tolstoy).
Boasting some of the newest ships of any river cruise company, AmaWaterways have designed their ships exclusively for the English-speaking market and have staterooms equipped with flat-screen TVs and Internet access; French balconies on the top two decks, an elevator, a whirlpool, and bicycles for exploration ashore.
The Main Lobby aboard the AmaLyra, facing aft. Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders
AmaWaterways operates a wide range of itineraries in Europe on the Rhine, Main, Danube and Mosel rivers, and in Russia on the Volga, Svir and Neva rivers. The Swiss Pearl operates cruises on the rivers of France. The company also offers Christmas-market cruises from late November through December.
La Marguerite, pictured above, cruises the magnificent Mekong. Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways
AmaWaterways also operates two of its own luxury cruise vessels in Vietnam & Cambodia: La Marguerite and the brand-new Amalotus.
A complete rundown of the line’s current itineraries can be found on the AMAWATERWAYS website. You can also follow along with the latest AmaWaterways news by checking out their twitter feed, @AMAWaterways.
Inside The Ships of AmaWaterways
The main Restaurant aboard Amalegro features open-seating and elegant surroundings. Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways
After the launch of the MS Amadagio in 2006, AMAWATERWAYS redefined the concept of luxury river travel. From gorgeous contemporary artwork in the lobbies, to the inviting hallways, the style and substance of onboard amenities are comparable to any 5-star hotel.
The cozy Aft Lounge onboard the AmaLyra provides games, comfortable seating, a guest printer, and even bar service to compliment the stunning views. Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders
Each ship offers state-of-the-art public areas and elegantly appointed staterooms equipped with flat-screen TV, internet access and French balconies on the top upper decks. The ships also have an elevator, sun deck with walking track, whirlpool and bicycles.
Many staterooms aboard AmaDante feature French balconies. Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways.
In addition to the unlimited quality red and white wines from Europe’s great wine regions, enjoy a cappuccino or espresso with meals and a daily complimentary bottle of water in your stateroom.
The AmaWaterways Difference:
- Luxurious cruise accommodation in an outside stateroom – 82% of the staterooms with large French balconies
- Hotel accommodation including daily buffet breakfast
- Terry bathrobes & white-on-white plush bedding
- Infotainment System, including TV and complimentary Internet, in every stateroom
- Gourmet dining with free-flowing wine, beer, and soda with every dinner; complimentary espresso and cappuccino with every meal
- Bottled water in every stateroom
- Cocktail Reception & Welcome Dinner
- All-inclusive Daily excursions
- Nightly onboard entertainment
- Complimentary bicycles for exploring charming towns
The Amacello sports a striking profile guaranteed to turn heads on the waterways of Europe. Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways.
The Key Points of AmaWaterways
The Newest Fleet
With two new vessels in 2008, 2009 and 2010, AMAWATERWAYS assures passengers the most modern, state-of-the-art river cruise experience in Europe.
More French Balconies
Passengers on AMAWATERWAYS enjoy the largest number of French Balconies on the rivers of Europe. In fact 82 percent of the cabins are French Baclony cabins.
The completely-reconstructed AmaKatarina offers river cruises throughout Russia. Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways.
Exclusive Infotainment
AMAWaterways offers a multi-million dollare Infotainment System that provides complimentary Internet access in each stateroom, along with English-language satellite television and movies selected to match the cruise itinerary. All can be enjoyed on a flat panel TV.
Generous Beverage Policy
AMAWATERWAYS serves free-flowing, specially selected local wines with every dinner, on a complimentary basis. You can also enjoy complimentary beer and soft drinks with dinner if you prefer. AMAWATERWAYS also offers specialty coffees that are always available in the Panoramic Lounge, and are also free of charge.
All stateroom categories aboard the ships of AmaWaterways feature comfortable beds with soft duvets and crisp linens. Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders
Luxurious Stateroom Surroundings
AMAWATERWAYS spacious 170-square-foot standard staterooms feature hotel-style beds, luxurious Egyptian cotton linens, down duvets, marble-appointed baths, sleek Eurojet showerheads, plush terry cloth robes and slippers, and complimentary bottled water replenished daily. The 255-square-foot Junior Suites offer an added living area and other extras.
Bicycles
An onboard fleet of bicycles (complimentary, of course) gives passengers the freedom to explore quaint towns and villages on their own.
Staterooms aboard AmaLotus will reflect the same modern yet traditional decor found on La Marguerite. Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways.
Europe’s Finest Cruise Directors
AMAWATERWAYS has searched the globe for the world’s best Cruise Directors, and hired the most talented, knowledgeable and professional team in the business. And there is passenger feedback to prove it. Customer service, attention to detail and passenger satisfaction are AMAWATERWAYS’ hallmarks.
The Special AMAWATERWAYS philosophy
If there’s a secret to AMAWATERWAYS success, it’s the company’s distinct business style. It is an efficiently-run, hands-on company, with short lines of communication to owners and executives. You’ll always get a live person answering the phone during business hours, never a recording. AMAWATERWAYS believes in quickly resolving problems, and maintaining a warm, family-type atmosphere in the company, no matter how much the company is growing.
Connect with AmaWaterways
Click the links below for AMAWATERWAYS ship reviews:
River Cruise News