Many of us are guilty of falling into a long work routine throughout each and every week that has us counting down the time until Friday at 5:00. This is one reason why taking a vacation is so important– it really makes a difference when we get away from the hum-drum of daily life and get to re-connect with loved ones (or a special someone, as is the case for many of our clients!).
One of the best types of vacations that we recommend is an AmaWaterways river cruise. On an AmaWaterways river cruise, you’ll say goodbye to your normal, standard routine and hello to outdoor activity, fine dining, and relaxation.
River cruises are typically more intimate than ocean cruises since smaller ships are used to navigate the river systems around the world. You may think that this would restrict the amount of activity available to you on the ship, but that’s simply not true! Our goal is to match you to a luxurious but affordable vacation experience that is both comforting and adventurous.
When you’re not exploring a destination in a port of call, you’ll be enjoying any of the dozens of amenities offered on the ship, or taking in the breathtaking views from the Sun Deck. With a smaller number of passengers on board, the activities that are offered are not crowded, group activities are in a small group, and there’s overall a more personable feel to everything you do on board.
After they travelled on their river cruise, John and Debby said that AmaWaterways “is a first-class operation and we felt more like honored guests than passengers.”
Are you interested in what a typical day may look like on your river cruise with AmaWaterways? Every cruise ship and every itinerary in AmaWaterways’ fleet offers these amenities for you to enjoy throughout the day.
Fitness Center & Classes
Each ship offers a fitness center to help you stay active between excursions. And if the treadmill isn’t your preference, there is also a professionally trained Wellness Host offering daily classes. Start your day with:
- a yoga session on the Sun Deck
- a spin class on the back of the ship
- a light stretch class
And in that way set the tone for a relaxing day.
Award-Winning Meals
Enjoy coffee with a breakfast buffet each morning, light lunches and refreshments throughout the day, and exquisite meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients for dinner. AmaWaterways is particularly well-known for its fabulous meals on board.
We always suggest booking The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant for at least one evening and we would be delighted to look after those details on your behalf. John and Ken write about their experience:
“The Chef’s Table was an evening to remember! Watching the preparations throughout the evening, and then getting to enjoy them was great fun! We have actually re-created a dressing that he used on the Watermelon and Seared Goat Cheese salad!”
Need more convincing? Unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks are also offered with each meal. Need we say more?
Salon & Spa
Of course, no vacation is complete without a bit of pampering! The spa on board offers massages throughout the day so you can relax on your own schedule. With fewer guests on board, you won’t have to fight for an appointment.
Feel like going out for the evening while we’re in port? Let the stylists at the salon give you a new look or simply help you look and feel your best before heading out.
Deck Pool
You may not choose a tropical cruise, but that doesn’t mean you can’t relax and enjoy the sun on the top deck! All ships have a heated pool (some with a swim-up bar for optimal enjoyment) or a jacuzzi, perfect for relaxing any tired muscles while cruising past the graceful, castle-filled countryside of Europe.
Feel free to come back out when the sun goes down. As you cruise past larger cities, the views of bridges full of lights or cathedrals lit up under the stars are extraordinary.
This is the perfect atmosphere to socialize with your party and other guests. Many cruisers have truly built long-distance and lasting friendships and even return time and time again to cruise with people they met on previous sailings!
Excursions
Regardless of which cruise itinerary you choose, you’ll have a variety of excursions to choose from. Activity level varies to suit your preference for the day and bikes are available on the ship for you to take into town. There is even a tour option for “late risers” if you’d like to take advantage of your lush bed and catch a few extra zzzs.
During some stops, you may prefer:
- a mild hike
- wine tasting or touring a Kölsch brew pub
- take on some free time with your group and explore the city
- stroll through the cobblestone streets of obscure cities, feeling out the local culture
- among many other options!
Best in Class Service
If there is anything that could make your time on board the ship better, let the AmaWaterways team know! The only thing better than their dining is their service. The team truly prides itself on building relationships with each guest and creating a family-like feel for your journey.
“Service was awesome. The crew was great. Truly for us, it was the “trip of a lifetime” kind of thing…”
So, what are you waiting for? We are on standby to book your next European vacation. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have about traveling through Europe by river and get your end-to-end travel confirmed. All you need to decide is when you want to go and who you’d like to travel with!
Get in touch with us today if you have any questions about river cruises or AmaWaterways! We have agents who have been on many river cruises throughout Europe and Asia and we’ve sent dozens of couples on the trip of a lifetime to view central Europe by water- imagine that!
