AmaWaterways river cruises - luxury voyages in Europe, Asia, Africa & beyond
AmaWaterways is a family-owned luxury river cruise line founded in 2002 in Calabasas, California, by river-cruise pioneers Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy. Its award-winning fleet sails the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Rhône, Moselle and Douro in Europe, the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia, the Nile in Egypt, the Chobe on safari in Africa and the Magdalena in Colombia. With an average of just 156 guests per ship, signature twin-balcony staterooms and farm-to-table cuisine, AmaWaterways pairs intimate ships with active, culturally immersive travel. Book through StarsDesk, a Virtuoso member agency, for onboard credit and personalized advisor support.
What AmaWaterways is - and what it isn't
AmaWaterways is a dedicated river cruise line: intimate ships that sail inland rivers and dock in the heart of towns and cities, not large ocean vessels. It is not a hotel loyalty program, a points scheme or an ocean-cruise brand, and it is separate from ocean and expedition lines such as Viking Ocean, Silversea or Explora Journeys. Within river cruising, AmaWaterways sits alongside - but is distinct from - Viking River, Uniworld, Scenic and Tauck. It is the only river cruise line inducted into La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, the world's oldest gastronomic society, and it introduced the twin-balcony stateroom now copied across the industry. Today AmaWaterways is family-led: co-founder Kristin Karst is owner and executive vice president, co-founder Rudi Schreiner is chairman, and Catherine Powell has served as president and CEO since February 2025.
Why sail with AmaWaterways
Intimate river ships
With an average of 156 guests per ship - and as few as 60-82 on the Mekong, Nile and Magdalena - every voyage feels personal and uncrowded. The double-width, 196-guest AmaMagna is the largest custom-designed vessel on the Danube.
Twin-balcony staterooms
AmaWaterways introduced the twin-balcony stateroom on AmaCerto in 2012 - a French balcony plus a full outside balcony in the same cabin - alongside premium bedding and marble bathrooms for river views from your room.
Award-winning cuisine
Regionally inspired, farm-to-ship dining with complimentary fine wines, craft beers and soft drinks at lunch and dinner, plus a multi-course tasting at The Chef's Table. AmaWaterways is the only river line in La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs.
Immersive shore excursions
Explore Vienna, Budapest, Strasbourg, Cologne, Paris, Bordeaux and Porto with expert local guides. Excursions run at active, regular and gentle paces, with guided bike rides and hikes offered in most European ports.
Wellness & sustainability
Onboard wellness includes a fitness center, spa treatments, a sundeck walking track, heated pool and complimentary bicycles. Most European ships hold the Green Award certification for environmental performance.
A growing fleet
AmaWaterways operates 31 river ships in 2026 across six regions and three continents, growing toward more than 50 by 2032. New for 2026: AmaSofia on the Rhine and Danube and AmaNubia on the Nile, with AmaMaya (Mekong) and the double-width AmaRudi (Danube) arriving in 2027.
Where AmaWaterways sails
AmaWaterways reaches Europe's most storied rivers and far-flung waterways across three continents.
Europe
The Danube (Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia), the Rhine, Main and Moselle (Switzerland, France, Germany, the Netherlands), the Seine from Paris to Normandy, the Rhône and Saône through Provence and Burgundy, the Garonne and Dordogne around Bordeaux, and the Douro through Portugal and Spain.
Asia - the Mekong
Journey through Vietnam and Cambodia along the Mekong River, pairing river cruising with the temples of Angkor and the markets of the delta.
Africa & Egypt
Cruise the Chobe River on safari through Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe, or sail the Nile in Egypt between Luxor and Aswan, past the Valley of the Kings, Karnak and Abu Simbel.
Colombia - the Magdalena
AmaWaterways' newest frontier: the Magdalena River in Colombia, sailing between Cartagena and Barranquilla aboard AmaMagdalena and AmaMelodia.
What's included on an AmaWaterways river cruise
AmaWaterways follows a generous, mostly inclusive model that varies slightly by region. On European voyages (Portugal itineraries differ in detail), your fare includes:
Included in your fare
All onboard meals; sparkling wine and juices at breakfast; complimentary beer, soft drinks and unlimited wine with lunch and dinner; a daily cocktail hour; at least one guided shore excursion in every port; use of bicycles and helmets; wellness activities; onboard entertainment; and free Wi-Fi, coffee, tea and bottled water. In Africa, all excursions are included in the fare.
Good to know - usually extra
Gratuities are not included on European and Mekong sailings (they are included on Nile and African itineraries). Premium bar spirits outside cocktail hour, international airfare, travel insurance, and pre- and post-cruise land programs are additional. Your StarsDesk advisor confirms exactly what's included on your chosen sailing.
Exclusive StarsDesk & Virtuoso benefits
Book AmaWaterways through StarsDesk, a Virtuoso member agency, and receive onboard credit plus personalized planning - combinable with select AmaWaterways promotions. The standard Virtuoso amenity is per stateroom:
| Voyage length | Virtuoso onboard credit (per stateroom) |
|---|---|
| Under 14 nights (e.g. 7 nights) | $150 onboard credit ($75 per person) |
| 14 nights or more | $250 onboard credit ($125 per person) |
Amenity amounts are based on double occupancy and are subject to current Virtuoso and AmaWaterways terms. Contact your StarsDesk advisor to confirm the benefit on your chosen sailing.
Featured river cruises
Danube highlights
Vienna's coffee houses and classical music, Budapest's thermal baths, the medieval towns of Passau and Linz, and the UNESCO-listed abbeys of Melk and Dürnstein with Wachau Valley wine tasting.
Rhine, Main & Moselle
Cologne's Gothic cathedral, the castle-lined Rhine Gorge at Rüdesheim and Mainz, and half-timbered Strasbourg in the canals of Alsace.
Seine & Normandy
Paris landmarks and cuisine, the D-Day beaches and historic harbors of Normandy, and the cathedrals of Rouen with Monet's gardens at Giverny.
Douro, Bordeaux & Provence
The terraced vineyards and port wine of Portugal's Douro from Porto, the Garonne and Dordogne of Bordeaux, and the Rhône and Saône from Lyon to Arles and Avignon.
Mekong, Nile, Chobe & Magdalena
Vietnam and Cambodia including Angkor, ancient Egypt along the Nile, an African safari on the Chobe, and Colombia's Magdalena between Cartagena and Barranquilla.
Wine, festive & themed sailings
Celebration-of-wine cruises with vineyard tastings, Christmas Market voyages, and special-interest departures - often paired with pre- and post-cruise land programs and dedicated Cruise Managers.
How AmaWaterways compares
| Feature | AmaWaterways | Viking River | Uniworld | Scenic | Tauck |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. guests | ~156 (196 on AmaMagna) | ~190 | ~130-150 | ~150-160 | ~130 |
| Who it's for | Active travelers, all ages & multigenerational | Adults only (18+) | All ages | All ages | All ages, small-group |
| Dining | La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs; wine with meals | Beer/wine with lunch & dinner | All-day beverages included | All-inclusive beverages | Inclusive dining |
| Gratuities included | Extra in Europe (incl. Nile & Africa) | Extra | Included | Included | Included |
| Signature strength | Cuisine, twin balconies, active & wellness | Nordic design, itinerary breadth | Design-forward, opulent interiors | All-suite, butler service | Small groups, fully inclusive |
Comparison is a general guide; inclusions vary by line, region and departure. StarsDesk also books Viking river cruises and other lines to match you to the right fit.
Sample pricing & stateroom guide
AmaWaterways pricing varies by ship, river, season and stateroom category. The indicative ranges below reflect 2026 market rates for a 7-night European itinerary, cruise-only, per person, based on double occupancy:
| Stateroom type | Indicative from (per person, 7 nights) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| River-view stateroom | from ~$3,500 | River view, premium bedding, marble bath |
| Twin-balcony stateroom | from ~$4,500 | French + full balcony, spacious layout |
| Suite | from ~$6,500 | Larger living space, enhanced amenities |
| Owner's / Royal suite | from ~$9,000+ | Top-tier suites, priority service |
Figures are indicative and exclude airfare, gratuities and pre/post land programs. Mekong, Nile, Chobe and Magdalena voyages are priced separately. Contact our AmaWaterways advisors for a personalized quote with current rates and Virtuoso benefits.
AmaWaterways FAQ
What is AmaWaterways known for?
AmaWaterways is an award-winning luxury river cruise line founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy. It is known for intimate ships averaging 156 guests, the industry-first twin-balcony stateroom, farm-to-table cuisine with included fine wines, active biking and hiking excursions, and wellness amenities. It is the only river cruise line inducted into La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs.
Is AmaWaterways a luxury river cruise line?
Yes. AmaWaterways is positioned in the luxury and premium-plus tier of river cruising, with spacious twin-balcony staterooms, gourmet dining paired with fine wines, and highly rated, personalized service. It competes directly with Viking, Uniworld, Scenic and Tauck and is consistently rated among the top river cruise lines in Europe.
Who owns AmaWaterways?
AmaWaterways is a privately held, family-led company based in Calabasas, California. Co-founder Kristin Karst is owner and executive vice president, co-founder Rudi Schreiner is chairman, and Catherine Powell has served as president and CEO since February 2025. Co-founder Jimmy Murphy passed away in 2020.
What is the difference between AmaWaterways and Viking?
Both are leading European river cruise lines, but they differ in feel. AmaWaterways emphasizes cuisine (it is the only river line in La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs), twin-balcony staterooms, and active excursions including biking and hiking, and it welcomes travelers of all ages, including multigenerational families. Viking uses understated Scandinavian design, has the broadest itinerary network, and is adults-only (18+). AmaWaterways ships carry roughly 156 guests versus about 190 on Viking's longships.
Where does AmaWaterways sail?
Primarily Europe's rivers - the Danube, Rhine, Main, Moselle, Seine, Rhône, Saône, Garonne, Dordogne and Douro. Beyond Europe, AmaWaterways sails the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia, the Nile in Egypt, the Chobe in Africa and the Magdalena in Colombia.
How many guests are on an AmaWaterways ship, and who is it for?
European ships carry an average of about 156 guests, with the double-width AmaMagna at 196; Mekong, Nile and Magdalena vessels are smaller, around 60-82 guests. AmaWaterways suits active travelers who value cultural immersion, fine dining and wellness, and - unlike adults-only lines - it welcomes families and multigenerational groups, with connecting and triple-occupancy cabins on several ships.
Is AmaWaterways all-inclusive? What is included?
AmaWaterways is close to all-inclusive on European sailings. Fares include all meals, sparkling wine at breakfast, beer, soft drinks and unlimited wine with lunch and dinner, a daily cocktail hour, at least one guided excursion per port, bicycles, Wi-Fi, and coffee, tea and bottled water. Gratuities are extra in Europe and on the Mekong but included on Nile and African itineraries. Premium bar spirits, airfare and pre/post land programs are additional.
How much does an AmaWaterways river cruise cost?
Indicative 2026 cruise-only fares for a 7-night European itinerary start from roughly $3,500 per person for a river-view stateroom, $4,500 for a twin-balcony stateroom and $6,500 and up for suites, based on double occupancy. Pricing varies by ship, river, season and availability; airfare and land programs are additional.
What StarsDesk and Virtuoso benefits do I receive?
As a Virtuoso member agency, StarsDesk provides the standard Virtuoso onboard credit - $150 per stateroom on cruises under 14 nights and $250 on 14 nights or more (solo travelers receive half) - combinable with select AmaWaterways promotions. On designated Virtuoso Voyages / AmaMAX departures, credit can reach up to $300 (7-night) or $600 (14-night) per stateroom plus a host, and StarsDesk coordinates flights, transfers and pre- and post-cruise stays.
Which AmaWaterways ship should I choose?
AmaMagna offers the most space on the Danube; AmaSiena and AmaStella sail the Rhine and Danube; AmaKristina cruises the Rhône; AmaDolce sails Bordeaux. New for 2026, AmaSofia joins the Rhine and Danube and AmaNubia debuts on the Nile, with AmaMaya (Mekong) and AmaRudi (Danube) arriving in 2027. Your StarsDesk advisor matches the ship to your river, dates and travel style.
Are shore excursions included?
Yes. Expert-guided excursions are included in every port and offered in three paces - active, regular and gentle - with optional bike rides and hikes available in most European destinations. In Africa, all excursions are included in the fare.
Why book AmaWaterways through StarsDesk?
StarsDesk combines exclusive Virtuoso amenities and onboard credit with full-service planning - coordinating flights, transfers, and pre- and post-cruise hotel stays so every detail of your river cruise is handled by a dedicated luxury advisor.
Share your travel preferences and a dedicated AmaWaterways advisor will follow up within 24 hours with availability, pricing and Virtuoso amenities. (Native inquiry form block sits directly below this section.)
Share your travel preferences below. Our StarsDesk team will provide personalized voyage options aboard AmaWaterways and contact you with availability, pricing, and Virtuoso amenities.
A dedicated AmaWaterways advisor will contact you within 24 hours to assist with your voyage and Virtuoso benefits.