Now that you’ve had a chance to read about my river cruise experience with AmaWaterways and about one of the beautiful ships (AmaLea), let’s talk food & drinks. Every memorable vacation usually includes some amazing meals, and Ama served it up.
In the following sections, I will guide you what to expect with AmaWaterways’ dining options and share some personal insight with tips!
Breakfast
To start the day off right, AmaWaterways offers a delicious breakfast selection to satisfy any appetite. In the main dining area, I enjoyed a variety of options ranging from fresh fruits and pastries to made-to-order omelets, waffles and eggs benedict. You can also opt to make your own yogurt bowls with granola and fruit toppings. The breakfast menu is the same every morning.
If you’re feeling bubbly, sparkling wine is included for breakfast. Mimosas anyone?
Main dining breakfast typically ends around the time the first excursion begins. You will reference your daily cruise planner for exact times. I enjoyed the sit-down breakfast a couple times when having a leisurely morning.
Most of the time, I wanted a more quick breakfast experience. The lounge’s hot breakfast options were set up buffet-style that allowed me quickly put together a breakfast of scrambled eggs and bacon with a croissant. I found this to be the perfect spot for a quick bite while enjoying the river views outside.
Is there only traditional western breakfast? To my surprise, I noticed on my third day of sailing that the chef made rice porridge (congee) with toppings to catered to a small group of Asian guests onboard. I loved the inclusivity and enjoyed a couple bowls myself.
Lunch
During my time on board AmaWaterways, lunch was a delightful midday experience. Typically there was a round of appetizers followed by soup, a couple entree options and dessert.
I particularly enjoyed the simple soups. In addition, there were daily specials that featured local cuisine and flavors – during our lunch in Bavaria, we tried some sausages and pretzels. Portion sizes are smaller than what we’re used to in the US but this gave us the chances to split the 2nd entree and try more delicious food.
I found that lunch tended to be a bit for diverse in food options, both internationally and local dishes. I tried a vegetarian Indian curry that was delicious!
Craving a hamburger or pizza? You can also order classic meals, complete with french fries. You can also order a classic meal at the lounge for a casual lunch.
Don’t forget you can pair your meals with the daily wine selections or beer as a part of your cruise fare.
Tip – The menus of lunch and dinner are posted right before heading to your cabins each day. Go with the Chef’s recommendations!
Sip & Sail
You just finished an amazing day exploring one of Europe’s historic cities. Come chat about your day with new friends or your group at the complimentary Sip & Sail hour. This is one social experience that differentiates Ama from some other river cruise competitors.
Starting at 6:30 most evenings, guest are converging in the lounge to wind down with the cocktail of the day. If you don’t fancy the cocktail of the day, Ama also includes an abbreviated cocktail, wine and beer menu that’s also complimentary during Sip & Sail. You’ll find classic cocktails like margaritas, whiskey sour, and cosmos are included.
One of reasons I loved river cruising is the opportunity to meet new people in a relaxed environment. Happy hour was a great time to chat with other guests that may have experienced a different excursion that day. We found new friends to join for dinner that followed.
Dinner
Dinner was often my favorite meal on the ship. From expertly prepared seafood dishes to succulent meats and vegetarian creations, there was something for everyone. The presentation of each plate was crafted and demonstrated the attention to detail put into each meal. Dinner was typically served at 7:30 each evening, directly following the Sip & Sail hour.
Dinner includes bread, charcuterie, starters, soups, entrees, and desserts. Each evening your choice of entrees is completely different from the evening before. It usually includes one meat, one fish, and one vegetarian/vegan option. Additionally, on any night, you could just enjoy steak, chicken, or salmon if you didn’t like the entree options.
The protein is the main feature in the entrees. I did find sides to be simplistic – mashed potatoes, rice or an assortment of steamed veggies.
Tip – Find out when you get on board which nights will the the Captain’s dinner and La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs dinner. Plan your Chef’s Table experience around these nights to get the full premier dining experience.
Dinner each evening was pairing with a delicious local red and white wine from the region. Out of all the wine I tried during the cruise there was only wine that wasn’t my favorite. Wine in Europe is the best, no hangovers for us.
Tip – You can bring local wines purchased at ports onto the ship and enjoy with friends. There’s a wine opener in your room or share a bottle over dinner with no corking fee.
Multi-course Gourmet Meals – Chef’s Table
The Chef’s Table experience provided an unforgettable dining experience with multi-course gourmet meals inspired by local cuisine and paired with carefully selected wines. Each evening, guests were treated to a multi-course gourmet meal inspired by the local cuisine of the region we were sailing through. The attention to detail and the artistry in each dish was remarkable.
From perfectly seared scallops to tender cuts of meat and decadent desserts, every bite was a sensory experience. The meals were expertly paired with fine wines that enhanced the flavors of each course.
The intimate setting of the Chef’s Table allowed for an immersive dining experience, where we could interact with the talented chef and learn about their culinary creations. It was truly a highlight of the trip and a must-try for any food lover onboard AmaWaterways.
Tip – Book your Chef’s Table experience one your first day onboard at the reception desk. If you can fit in a booking at the beginning of the week, you can decide to return to the Chef’s Table again if there’s availability.
Special Diets
Having special dietary needs shouldn’t be a barrier to enjoying the dining experience on AmaWaterways. The cruise line is dedicated to providing options for all guests, including those with special diets. The waitstaff would begin each meal with asking for your dining preferences.
Tip – Sit in the same section each meal to be paired with the same waitstaff throughout your journey. They’re the best at remembering your dining particulars, even beyond special diets.
As someone who occasionally enjoys a meat-free meal, I was happy to find a variety of vegetarian dishes available at every meal that were full of interesting ingredients. AmaWaterways also offers vegan and gluten-free options. The onboard chefs are attentive and accommodating, making adjustments when necessary to meet individual dietary requirements. Whether you have allergies, food sensitivities, or specific preferences, AmaWaterways goes above and beyond to ensure that your dining experience is enjoyable and satisfying. I appreciated their commitment to inclusivity and would highly recommend them for travelers with special diets.
A member of the waitstaff even shared that the Chef can create cultural dishes for those that don’t always dine on western meals (stir-fry, curries, spicy dishes). This made me appreciate their inclusivity even more as I imagined how my Asian parents would enjoy being on this type of cruise.
Conclusion
The overall dining experience on AmaWaterways in Europe was truly exceptional. From start to finish, every meal was a delightful culinary journey. The variety of options available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner was impressive, ensuring that there was something for everyone. The quality of the food surpassed my expectations, with each dish expertly prepared using fresh ingredients and showcasing the flavors of the region. The attentive service from the staff added to the enjoyment of each meal.
Additionally, the extensive wine list perfectly complemented the dishes and allowed me to explore different tastes from across Europe. Overall, dining aboard AmaWaterways was a highlight of my trip, and I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking an unforgettable dining experience while cruising through Europe’s rivers.
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