Family-owned and consistently rated the highest in river cruising. Twin-balcony staterooms, a fleet of bicycles, wine tastings with local vintners, and a wellness program led by sports therapists.
AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst, and Jimmy Murphy. Unlike the corporate-owned mega-lines, AmaWaterways remains family-owned and operated. Rudi Schreiner is a pioneer of European river cruising — he helped design the first modern river cruise ship in 1992. Kristin Karst brings a hospitality background from the luxury hotel industry. The result is a cruise line that combines innovation with warm, personal service. The crew knows your name, your preferences, and your dietary restrictions. The atmosphere is intimate and welcoming, not corporate and impersonal.
AmaWaterways introduced the "twin-balcony" concept — a French balcony (floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open inward) and a step-out balcony (a traditional balcony with a table and chairs) in the same stateroom. This gives passengers the choice of fresh air or climate-controlled comfort, depending on the weather and the scenery. The twin-balcony staterooms are among the most spacious on the rivers, with the top suites offering over 300 square feet. The design maximizes the view while maintaining privacy and comfort. The ships are designed with a focus on the destination — large windows, open-air spaces, and a sun deck with a walking track and a heated pool.
AmaWaterways is the only major river cruise line to carry a fleet of bicycles on every ship. Guests can borrow bikes for independent exploration or join guided cycling tours. The ships also feature a wellness program led by a sports therapist — morning yoga, stretching classes, and a small fitness center. The "AmaWaterways Wellness Program" includes healthy menu options, a walking track on the sun deck, and guided hikes. The combination of active exploration and onboard wellness makes AmaWaterways the best choice for health-conscious travelers who want to stay active while cruising. The line also offers special "Wine Cruises" with hosted wine tastings and vineyard visits, led by expert sommeliers.
AmaWaterways operates on the Danube, Rhine, Main, Moselle, Rhône, Saône, Seine, Douro, Mekong, and Nile. The ships are specifically designed for the rivers they navigate — the AmaMagna is twice the width of a standard river ship, offering more spacious suites and amenities on the Danube. The cuisine is overseen by Executive Chef Joachim, a German-born chef who trained in Michelin-starred restaurants. The menu features regional specialties, with wine pairings from the regions the ship passes through. The "Chef's Table" is a specialty restaurant with an open kitchen and a tasting menu. The line also offers "AmaWaterways Wine Cruises" with hosted wine tastings and vineyard visits. The "AmaWaterways Culinary Cruise" features cooking classes and market visits with the ship's chef.
Budapest-Vilshofen
Amsterdam-Basel
Bordeaux Roundtrip
Vietnam-Cambodia
Cairo-Aswan
Porto Roundtrip
"AmaWaterways is the best river cruise line in the world."— Cruise Critic Editor\'s Picks