River Cruising is becoming a very popular travel option for so many people since it allows you to go through countries rather than around them as with ocean cruising. Many devout ocean cruisers are trying river cruising as an alternative and are really appreciating the change.
Photo of AmaMagna courtesy of AmaWaterways
Even those who’ve shied away from ocean cruising since they have issues with motion sickness have found river cruising to be a wonderful option for them. The great thing about cruising is the ability to unpack once for the duration of the trip which is wonderfully convenient.
AmaWaterways is a river cruise partner that I’ve learned a lot about over the years and have thoroughly enjoyed sailing on their vessels with their wonderfully attentive staff and fabulous food. They’ve been particularly great with my allergy requirements, and I appreciate that immensely. They’ve even had very tasty gluten free beer for me on the river cruises that I’ve taken with them.
I had the pleasure to meet and speak with one of their Co-founders and Executive Vice President, Kristin Karst, in Budapest, Hungary in March when I attended the American Society of Travel Advisors River Cruise Expo. She is so kind-hearted and warm and her spirit emanates to all of their staff including those on their ships. Even their name ‘Ama’ means ‘love’ and that’s what they exude with their client care.
Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways
They’re tremendous innovators as well with their latest planned cruise venture with 2 ships in Columbia, South America on the Magdalena River. They’ve even added an extra cruise ship on the Nile River considering the demand they’ve had in that part of the world.
Photo of AmaDahlia on the Nile River in Egypt courtesy of AmaWaterways
Of course, they have cruises throughout all the popular European rivers including the Rhine, Danube, Moselle, Main, Dutch and Belgian Waterways. They also have 2 ships on the Douro River in Portugal and 5 ships in France on the Seine, Rhone, Saone, Garonne, and Dordogne Rivers.
Photo of Douro River courtesy of AmaWaterways
I just have to share some of the incredible offers that AmaWaterways has on right now for a limited time frame. They have 28 river cruise ships sailing throughout Europe, Asia, South America, and even Egypt and Southern Africa.
Map Courtesy of AmaWaterways
One of the most exciting promotions that Ama has to offer right now is their Complimentary Land Package offer on select 2023 and 2024 voyages when purchased by June 2023. These packages include 2-, 3- or 4-night pre or post cruise tours worth up to $2000 in value on select European and even their Egypt Nile River cruises! They include '4- or 5-star hotel accommodations with daily breakfast, enriching city tours and excursions led by knowledgeable guides, convenient transfers and porterage between the hotel and cruise ship and the services of one of their phenomenal Cruise Managers throughout the entire journey both on land and on the ship'.
A few examples of opportunities with "free land"
You can enjoy such wonderful pre and post tours including Zurich and Lake Lucerne, Switzerland; the fabulous city of Prague in the Czech Republic; Lake Como, Italy; or Budapest, Hungary as a few examples. They have more than 10 available on select sailings. There are even options with the Douro River in Portugal and the Christmas markets cruises too!
Photo of Lake Como, Italy courtesy of AmaWaterways
Another of their special offers includes an air offer called Air Plus that enables an air deal as low as $899 per person for select 2023 sailings to Europe. Premium economy and business are also available, and all airfare includes airport transfers as well. These special airfares are also combinable with the previously mentioned complimentary land package deals as well on select sailings.
For a very limited time period, I also have an added bonus of an additional 5% off for sailings as well and if you book a river cruise and sail prior to the end of June 2023, I can even double that offer to 10% off on select sailings.
If you’re one of the many people obsessed with the fastest growing sport of pickleball, you’ll be excited with this next announcement. AmaWaterways showcased the addition of a pickleball court on their beautiful AmaMagna ship at the River Cruise Expo in Budapest. Can’t you just picture yourself playing pickleball on the top deck of a gorgeous ship as you sail along the Danube River from Vienna to Budapest?!
Photo of Co-Owner, Kristin Karst playing pickleball on the AmaMagna courtesy of AmaWaterways
There are also great group opportunities with AmaWaterways with as few as 10 people or 5 double occupancy staterooms. This is a wonderful chance for families and/or friends to enjoy traveling together. What better way is there to create memories than traveling with those you love and want to spend time with. I’m happy to work with anyone for their group traveling. I’ve been getting a lot of experience and knowledge with this lately and thoroughly enjoy working with groups.
Don’t forget that Rene and I still have room on our group river cruise this June 2023 with both single occupancy options with no single supplement (while quantities last) and double occupancy staterooms with great pricing too, including the bonus Premium Beverage Package available to all within our group.
Photo of AmaDolce cruise ship courtesy of AmaWaterways
All in all, river cruising is growing leaps and bounds and if you haven’t tried it, you must. It really does have so much to offer everyone. Great culinary options, no line-ups, intimate settings, unpack once and much more for an easy, fun, comfortable travel experience.