AmaWaterways
Parent company: AmaWaterways (privately held)
PremiumSee how AmaWaterways describes itself vs how we list it
What to say on a call
Best for
- 1Twin balconies on many staterooms (a French balcony plus a full step-out balcony) - a unique cabin feature on the river
- 2Wellness Hosts on ships in Europe and on the Mekong lead complimentary fitness classes, hikes and (in Europe) guided bike tours
- 3Wine, beer, and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner, plus a nightly Sip & Sail cocktail hour on European sailings
Payments & cancellations
Final payment
Per cruise line90 days prior to departure
Final payment is required no later than 90 days before the start date of travel. Failure to pay by this deadline may result in cancellation of all services.
Deposit
Per cruise line$400 pp (Europe/Colombia/Asia); $1,200 pp (Egypt); $2,400 pp (Africa)
Deposit amount varies by region: Europe, Colombia & Asia $400 per person; Egypt $1,200 per person; Africa $2,400 per person. Due by the date shown on the confirmation.
Cancellation penalties
Per cruise lineSee details below
121+ days: $200-$1,200 (region-dependent) admin fee. 90-120 days: $400-$2,400 (region-dependent). 60-89 days: 35% of total price. 31-59 days: 50% of total price. 25 hours-30 days: 100%. Within 24 hours: 100% non-refundable. Written cancellation required to Res@amawaterways.com.
What's included on board
Prices are approximate, per person per day unless noted. Always confirm the current price with the cruise line.
- Guests per ship
- Average of 156 guests per ship; fewer than 200 on every shipPer cruise line
- Gratuities
- Not included (at guest's discretion; suggested EUR 125 pp per 7-night Europe cruise for crew, plus EUR 30 pp for the Cruise Manager)Per cruise line
- Beer & wine
- Included with lunch and dinner onboard; coffee, tea, bottled water available 24/7Per cruise line
- Premium drinks
- Extra charge (premium beverages and imported wines available for purchase)Per cruise line
- Wi-Fi
- Included fleet-widePer cruise line
- Dining
- Included (all onboard meals)Per cruise line
- Premium dining
- The Chef's Table: one complimentary multi-course dinner per guest (not available in Portugal)Per cruise line
- Included tours
- Shore excursions led by expert local guides are included, plus some included bike tours led by Wellness Hosts; on select sailings some excursions carry an extra costPer cruise line
- Extra tours
- Some additional/upgraded excursions available for an extra charge on select sailingsPer cruise line
- Transfers
- Included when flights are booked through AmaAir on standard arrival/departure dates; otherwise extra (Africa and Egypt hotel transfers included)Per cruise line
- Air program
- AmaWaterways air program available (incl. AirPlus special rates)Per cruise line
- Pre/post land tours
- Pre- and post-cruise land packages available (hotel, daily breakfast, guided tours; Cruise Manager accompanies)Per cruise line
Accessibility & special needs
- How to tell the cruise line
- Guests should tell AmaWaterways in writing, at or right after booking and as early as possible, about any mobility impairment or condition that may need an accommodation or assistive device. Per cruise line
- Wheelchairs & scooters
- The line says its ships and excursion vehicles are not equipped for wheelchairs or scooters, and the gangway between ship and shore may not work for guests with mobility issues. European ships carry a few canes with small seats and Nordic walking sticks for excursions. Per cruise line
- Service animals
- The passenger contract allows a qualified service animal of a guest with a disability, but the guest must find and meet all document requirements themselves. Per cruise line
- Medical equipment & pregnancy
- There are no doctors on board; local medical providers are contacted if needed, at the guest's cost. Guests who will be 24 or more weeks pregnant by the time of the cruise cannot sail. Per cruise line
Not on the line's site (or not confirmed yet): blind / low vision, deaf / hard of hearing, guests of size. Ask the cruise line's accessibility team.
Never promise an accommodation. Send the request to the line and let them confirm. How to handle these calls → Premium
Loyalty program
AmaWaterways Loyalty ProgramPer cruise line
- 1Blue — 2nd cruise
- 2Silver — 3rd cruise
- 3Gold — 4th cruise and beyond
Guests may say
“AmaWaterways Loyalty Program”, “my AmaWaterways rewards”
Military & veterans
Active and retired military members and veterans get military savings (listed as $250 per person on river cruises, not Africa safari programs) with a valid military ID or discharge certificate; new bookings only, cruise fare only.
The page also lists other alternatives (2-for-1 on select sailings, reduced single supplement). No mention of spouses, reservists, Guard, non-US forces or ID.me.
How military rates work → PremiumAirport transfers
Transfers between the airport and the ship or hotel are included when flights are booked through AmaAir (added within 45 days of booking) and follow the standard arrival and departure dates on select Europe and Egypt sailings; deviations may require separate arrangements.
Which ports: Select Europe and Egypt sailings; varies by sailing; see page.
What's offered changes by port and sailing. Check before you quote a price.
Cruise family
AmaWaterways (privately held)
No sister cruise lines on this site.
Loyalty between brands: Standalone: AmaWaterways' own past-guest program only.
No official shared program found. Check with the cruise line before promising anything.
See the whole family →Good to know
Minimum age 4 (12 in Africa); no kids' programs
Per cruise lineMinimum age is 4 and under-5s are not recommended. The Africa Safaris & Wildlife Cruise has a minimum age of 12, and there are no child programs or child-minding.
Complimentary bikes in Europe
Per cruise lineMost European ships carry complimentary bikes for guided bike tours or independent riding ashore.
Limited-mobility guests
Per cruise lineAmaWaterways says its ships are not equipped for guests with limited mobility and that coaches used for excursions are not wheelchair/scooter accessible; qualify clients carefully.
Dress code
Per cruise lineDress is casually elegant, with something dressier for the Welcome and Farewell dinners.
No kosher meals
Per cruise lineVegetarian, gluten-free and similar requests can usually be arranged with advance notice; kosher meals cannot be provided.
Fleet
- Ships
- Not yet verified
- Newest ship
- AmaSofia (debuted spring 2026, Rhine & Danube, 156 guests); next: AmaNubia (Nile, Nov 2026)Per cruise line
- Ship classes
- Amadeus/Amalia/Amara-class river ships
Coming soon
All new ships- AmaNubiaNovember 2026 · Nile Not yet on salePer cruise line Preview
- AmaRudiApril 11, 2027 · Danube Not yet on salePer cruise line Preview
Where they sail
Last full review: 28 Sep 2026·Last updated: 26 Oct 2026
A full review is when we re-check every fact on this page.
"Last updated" is the most recent check or change to any single fact.
Something wrong or missing?
"Per cruise line" = confirmed on the line's own site.
"Unofficial tip" = from an experienced travel professional; helpful, but not confirmed by the cruise line.