Cruising the Danube With AMA Waterways

River cruising is becoming the preferred mode of transportation for Europe and we are finding that cruises are selling out a year in advance.

Much like a regular ocean cruise you unpack once but river cruising is at a slower pace. Your itinerary consists of sailing through a number of locks, visiting the villages and historical sites along the river. Entertainment consists of local musicians and dancers who also educate you about their native customs.

My clients always come home raving about their river cruise experiences, and I finally had the opportunity to try it out for myself on a Danube river cruise. From the moment I arrived at the pier, to the day I left the ship, service with Ama Waterways is paramount. The entire staff is kind, quick to please and you don’t want for anything. Cabins aboard river ships can be quite small and I was prepared.Much to my surprise the cabin was more spacious than what I imagined with plenty of storage space below the bed and in the closet.

The bath is small but you can move around in the shower and it doesn’t feel like you are in a closet. I also had a small balcony, which I highly recommend.

It is nice to be able to sit out and watch the world go by while you are on the river. The ship also has full Wi-Fi capability, which is included in your rate (not so on most ocean cruises), and you don’t have to bring your lap top because the TVs in your room serve as a computer monitor and are there for your use.

Ama’s dining is a work of art, and they are the only river cruise line to be invited to join the La Chaine des Rotisseurs, a culinary organization founded in 1950 in Paris.

To have a membership is considered an achievement of world class cuisine. Each ship has a main dining room, and guests aboard one of their newer ships can also dine at the chef’s table restaurant with a tasting menu. If you have special diet needs they can be accommodated for any diet restrictions you have.

Ama Waterways has incredible access to many of the historical sites along the river. An Abbey outside of Vilshofen opened their doors for us one morning and offered an organ recital and walk through of their Africa Museum, which had an unbelievable collection. They don’t open their doors to the other cruise lines, and that is the kind of reputation that Ama has in each destination. Absolutely priceless!

Would I travel on another river cruise with Ama? YES! I would jump at the chance.

Contact Nancy Decker Davidson, part of our Irvine Travel Agency, to learn more about TravelStore’s AMA River Cruises vacation options