Back in October, I had the pleasure of going on my first river cruise with AmaWaterways. I must say that it was a truly memorable experience. We started the cruise in Vilshofen, Germany and ended in Budapest, Hungary as we sailed down the Danube river. Embarking on a river cruise is a fantastic way to explore and immerse yourself in the beauty of Europe’s smaller towns and charming destinations.
I started writing a review on the ship, food, excursions, and other personal first-hand information I learned on the ship and then realized I would be here sitting all day writing a 10 page article… Instead I’m breaking this review into multiple posts that will be coming out in the next fews weeks.
Today I’m focusing on talking about the ship, AmaLea!
Our ship: AmaLea
One of the highlights of my river cruise experience with Amawaterways was undoubtedly the ship, AmaLea. On a river cruise, your ship is your home for multiple nights. I loved the ease of unpacking once and waking up in a new destination. Within 2 – 3 minutes I could reach one end of the ship to the other.
When you’re not relaxing in your room, most guests typically hanging out around the lounge or up on the deck. The lounge has a great speciality coffee maker where I made cappuccinos every day. It is the main meeting point to hear key announcements, attend the daily complimentary sip & sail hour, and enjoy evening entertainment.
Our ship included a heated pool with a swim up bar but it was a little too chilly to try it out. Other AmaWaterway ships also have a hot tub. On the deck you’ll find plenty of seating for individuals and groups. There’s a walking track and a giant chess board to keep you moving and entertained.
It was fascinating watching the river locks operate and the water levels adjusting to the level on the other side of the lock. I’d go up on the deck to soak in the amazing fall weather and the last bit of sun.
Cabins
Known for their luxurious but casual accommodations, Ama offers twin balcony rooms that give guests the best of both worlds. My room was equipped with a French balcony and an outdoor balcony, allowing for breathtaking views of the passing landscapes throughout the entire journey. Waking up to the gentle waves and scenic vistas from my balcony was definitely a highlight for me on this trip.
If you’re sailing in the months outside of the summer & fall, the balcony might not be as essential since it’ll be a little chilly outside but it’s an absolute must to at least the full french windows to take in the views from indoors.
Sometimes when you’re docked overnight, you might have your view blocked by a neighboring ship but I found these moments were infrequent.
Upon arrival, it was best to fully unpack your suitcase into the closet and drawers to maximize space. Between two girls and three suitcases, we were able to fit our belongings into the storage and put our suitcases into the closet and under the bed.
The bathroom was tight but had a full shower with glass sliding doors and the water pressure was excellent.
The in-room amenities include luxury bath products (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, hand cream), hair dryer, mood lighting, pillow menu, and bathrobes. Two carafes of water were placed in the room each day. There was no iron onboard (fire hazard) so be sure to pack wrinkle spray. I brought home the mini hand lotion and lived in my bathrobe while I was in the room.
Service
The service onboard Amawaterways was truly exceptional. The crew went above and beyond to ensure that every guest felt welcomed and attended to. Throughout the journey, the staff took the time to learn our names and remember our preferences to create a warm and personalized atmosphere.
On every sailing you have a dedicated cruise manager, hotel manager, captain and other crew members that are working together to make your experience exceptional. They come from all over the world and even though I haven’t been on other river cruise lines, Ama’s warmth and hospitality would be hard to beat.
One of the highlights for me was the nightly turndown service, where my room was prepared for a comfortable and restful night’s sleep. It’s these small touches that make a significant difference in the overall experience.
One difference from luxury hotels is that Ama doesn’t have room service or in-room coffee makers. While that wasn’t a big deal for me, I think some travelers do like to indulge in room service. The ship size was so accessible that it took only a couple minutes to walk from my room to the lounge to make some coffee or tea and bring it back to my room.
Even though they don’t have room service, one night onboard one of the guests wasn’t feeling well and decided to stay in her room. The crew helped her husband prepare a plate for dinner and offered to deliver it to her. They truly went out of their way to take care of guests.
Spa & Fitness Center
While you are onboard spend some of your sailing time indulging in a massage. The prices were reasonable. For 30 minutes of bliss, my massage was 45€ and so great after a walking tour. There’s only one spa room onboard so be sure to book an appointment at the front desk to secure your spot.
Beyond a simple treadmill, bicycle, and a few dumbbells, I did find the fitness center limiting. Ama does have a special fitness instructor onboard that hosted morning workouts and stretches on the deck or in the lounge. The start times were pretty early so I missed most mornings. You’re on vacation anyways!
Final Thoughts
Casual luxury would be the two words that come to mind to describe this ship. Most of Ama’s fleet is very similar for European cruises. They also boast the largest river cruise ship, AmaMagna, that includes four dining venues and a pickleball court that sails on the Danube.
While cruising we sailed by many other ships but I thought Ama stood out for quality, balcony rooms, and simplicity in design.
You might have noticed I only briefly mentioned dining onboard. Cuisine is near and dear to me so I’m dedicating a whole post focused on my food experience. Be on the lookout and subscribe to my newsletter to be the first to know!
Until next time, happy sailings!
