If you are dreaming of a multi-country trip to Europe, one of the best ways to do that is on a river cruise. By sailing the historic waterways, you will be able to immerse yourself in the destinations while returning home feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Once onboard a river cruise you get to see a new city daily with ease. But what you may be wondering is what it is actually like onboard the ship of one of the best river cruises in Europe.
On an AmaWaterways river cruise, you’ll say goodbye to your standard routine and hello to outdoor activity, fine dining and relaxation. My goal is to match you to a luxurious vacation experience that is both high quality and matches your travel style.
When you’re not touring a destination, you’ll be enjoying the many amenities offered on the ship, as well as breathtaking views from the Sun Deck. With a smaller number of passengers on board, you’ll have more time to enjoy the amenities in a more personal way.
After their river cruise, my clients Barb and Rand said their experience “was top-notch, from beginning to end.” From the greeting they received at the airport by the cruise line to the meals and service they received onboard, their experience is exactly what you can have on your next trip.
Interested in what a typical day may look like on your river cruise? All cruises offer the below amenities for you to take advantage of throughout the day.
Award-Winning Meals
Enjoy coffee and the breakfast buffet each morning, light lunches and refreshments throughout the day and exquisite meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients for dinner. AmaWaterways is especially known for its fantastic meals on board.
I recommend booking The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant for at least one evening and would be happy to take care of those details for you. John and Ken write:
“The Chef’s Table was an evening to remember! Watching the preparations throughout the evening, and then getting to enjoy them was great fun! We have actually re-created a dressing that he used on the Watermelon and Seared Goat Cheese salad!”
Need more convincing? Unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks are also offered with each meal.
Deck Pool
You may not choose a tropical cruise, but that doesn’t mean you can’t relax and enjoy the sun on the top deck! All ships have a heated pool (some with a swim-up bar for optimal enjoyment) or a jacuzzi, perfect for relaxing any tired muscles while cruising past the graceful, castle-filled countryside of Europe.
Feel free to come back out when the sun goes down. As you cruise past larger cities, the views of bridges full of lights or cathedrals lit up under the stars are extraordinary.
This is the perfect atmosphere to socialize with your party and other guests. Many cruisers have truly built long-distance and lasting friendships and even return time and time again to cruise with people they met on previous sailings!
Fitness Center & Classes
Each ship offers a fitness center to help you stay active between excursions. And if the treadmill isn’t your preference, there is also a professionally trained Wellness Host offering daily classes. Start your day with a yoga session on the Sun Deck, a spin class on the back of the ship, or a light stretch class, and set the tone for a relaxing day.
Salon & Spa
No vacation is complete without a bit of pampering. The spa on board offers massages throughout the day so you can relax on your own schedule. With fewer guests onboard you won’t have to fight for an appointment.
Feel like going out for the evening while we’re in port? Let the stylists at the salon give you a new look or simply help you look and feel your best before heading out.
Excursions
Regardless of which cruise itinerary you choose, you’ll have a variety of excursions to choose from. Activity level varies to suit your preference for the day and bikes are available on the ship for you to take into town. There is even a tour option for “late risers” if you’d like to take advantage of your lush bed and catch a few extra zzzs.
During some stops, you may prefer a mild hike; on others, wine tasting or touring a Kölsch brew pub. Alternatively, you may wish to take on some free time with your group and explore the city. Some of our clients’ favorite days are strolling through the cobblestone streets of obscure cities, feeling out the local culture.
Best in Class Service
If there is anything that could make your time onboard the ship better, let the AmaWaterways team know! The only thing better than their dining is their service. The team truly prides itself on building relationships with each guest and creating a family-like feel for your journey.
“Service was awesome. The crew was great. Truly for us, it was the ‘trip of a lifetime’ kind of thing…”
If you love ocean cruising, here are 10 Reasons Why You Will Love River Cruising.
So, what are you waiting for? I am here ready to book your next luxury European vacation. I’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have about traveling through Europe by river and get your end-to-end travel confirmed. All you need to decide is when you want to go and who you’d like to travel with!