AMA Waterways Reviews

We booked a Christmas river cruise on the Danube with another couple aboard the AMABella, set to leave Budapest on 12/5/22. We took advantage of a cabin upgrade offer and were both placed in AA class cabins. However, we didn’t hear anything from Amawaterways after our final payment confirmation until we boarded on 12/5/22. Just before heading to the ship, another passenger informed us that the vessel had been switched to the AMAStella. We never received any notice from AMA about this change, and several passengers were left wandering around the dock trying to locate the AMABella. Upon boarding, we learned that both our bookings had been downgraded by two cabin levels to category BA rooms, which are smaller. My cabin was ultimately only downgraded by one level to an AB class cabin, while the other couple stayed in a BA class cabin. No one on the ship could clarify why we were chosen for the downgrade; all we got was 'talk to corporate.' Some crew members mentioned that the ship change had occurred over a week prior.

We had previously enjoyed an AMA cruise on the same route before the pandemic. The hotel manager on the AMAStella informed us that all COVID restrictions had been lifted. However, this time around, there was no breakfast buffet. If you wanted water with your breakfast, you had to order it, and it came in a small glass. If you needed more, you had to go through the same process again. They didn’t refill water glasses in the morning. There was also no dessert table at lunch or dinner, which was a letdown compared to our last cruise where we could make our own ice cream sundaes or pick any dessert we wanted. The menu felt overly fancy, prioritizing style over substance, and the portions were quite small. The steak entrée was tough and tiny, while the chicken entrée was even less than what you'd find in their classic salad. It felt like the whole dining experience had been downgraded.

On a brighter note, the staff did their best, and the tours were enjoyable. The ship itself was clean and well-kept.

We booked directly with AMA, and when I called our booking agent about the cabin issue on 12/5/22, he was unaware of the situation but assured me it would be resolved. Eventually, AMA Guest Relations offered us a settlement that we found quite insulting.

Considering the cabin downgrade, the lack of notification prior to boarding that denied us the chance to cancel or adjust our booking, and the paltry settlement offered, we’ve decided not to cruise with AMA again. It was clear we weren’t valued customers, as cabin priority seemed to go to other guests despite our booking being made over 2.5 years ago. Even setting aside the cabin issue, we believe the cruise simply wasn’t worth the money.

Last year, I took a trip with AmaWaterways on the Danube and this year on the Rhine. Both ships were enjoyable, but here's the kicker: the food was just okay, at best. Breakfast was the same every single day and really lacked variety. The special of the day, like Pancakes, came in a tiny pair, about the size of a silver dollar, and they were served cold. Fresh fruit? Just sliced. No cereals at all. It was pretty bad.

They aim for a gourmet experience, but honestly, they fall short.

I ordered Chicken Schnitzel, and it was just a thinly breaded piece of chicken that was hard as a rock.

The steaks were also thin and tough to chew, which was a letdown.

While they do include wine, beer, and champagne with meals, if you want a diet coke in the afternoon, they hit you with a charge. This is far from a 5-star experience.

I won't be cruising with AMA again, and I had two more trips lined up for my third and fourth. If their food service could just be halfway decent, like between Celebrity and Regent, they might have something to boast about. Just dismal.

My in-laws went on a journey with this travel company, leaving on 9/24/2022. Sadly, they caught COVID by the time they reached Bilbao, Spain, and had to head back to the US on 9/27/2022. AmaWaterways arranged a flight for them on Lufthansa/United from BIO to MUN to ORD to DEN, costing $2,800 per person in economy class. I did a quick check online and found a round trip, departing the same day, on those same airlines, with one less stop - BIO to MUN to DEN was only $1,100 per person. It feels like they got ripped off for thousands. I really hope AmaWaterways addresses this outrageous fee.

We were really looking forward to rebooking our river cruise that got canceled due to Covid. The plan was to unpack for 8-10 days and enjoy the sights. But that didn’t happen… because of the drought, the Rhine was too low for the boat to make the full trip. By midweek, we had to pack up, hop on a bus for 10 hours (!!!), and switch to another boat. We missed out on parts of the journey that we were super excited about. We even splurged on a suite to celebrate our 30th anniversary.
I mean, riverboat captains gotta know about the weather and river conditions, right? They should’ve been aware that the Rhine wouldn’t be suitable for travel. A whole day spent on a bus? Canceled ports and excursions? I really think Ama Waterways ought to reach out to all passengers and offer some sort of credit for future trips. That’s what a decent company would do.

I've been cruising with AmaWaterways for quite a few years. In November, I'm heading out with some pals for our fourth adventure together. I can't say enough good things about this company! They provide top-notch service and incredible value for your cash! The dining, the service, and the overall experiences are all top-tier. River cruising is truly the best way to see the world. You can totally count on this company with your travel funds, no doubt!

Our entire journey, starting from our time in Paris, through the river cruise on the Mosel, Rhine, Main, and Main Danube Canal, and wrapping up with a couple of days in Prague, was simply amazing. Every aspect was top-notch. The tours provided were super informative and thorough. The food and wine? Absolutely fantastic. Donna and I can’t say enough good things about AMA Waterways.

The dimensions of the vessel were just right for our group. The crew was exceptional, full of wonderful personalities. The Chef's Table added a nice flair and was a fantastic experience. We truly felt valued! What stood out the most for us was the daily variety of excursions, complete with solid descriptions of what to expect. We've already suggested this tour to others. Looking forward to joining you again soon. Appreciate all your efforts!

We took a four-day trip exploring Zurich and Lake Luzern via bus and boat, and the guides were top-notch! We got to Bezel for boarding the AMA Certo, and from that moment on, we were treated like VIPs all the way through the cruise! The cruise manager made sure we had a blast and felt safe (we're seniors, after all). During the walking tours off the boat, the guides were super patient, often splitting us into fast and slow groups. I totally recommend this cruise to anyone who enjoys a first-class experience!

Every part of the journey exceeded what we thought it would be: the schedule, the activities, the boat amenities, the fantastic service, the meals...

We were particularly blown away by how the Cruise Director, Dejan, and the Captain of the Amaprima cleverly tackled the various challenges posed by the high river levels while keeping to the planned itinerary.

If we could suggest a tweak to the itinerary, it would be to skip a couple of the stops in the small towns along the Main and add an extra day in Vienna.

Our cabin was amazing, complete with champagne on the first night and a fresh fruit bowl every day. The whole crew was outstanding, and Nikola Grujin really stood out among all the cruise managers we've had on ocean trips. Honestly, if we were ever in a tight spot, like the boat going down, I bet he’d have us all laughing and making the best of it. The food was top-notch, service was fabulous, and there were plenty of awesome day trips to choose from. We truly had a blast.

We had an amazing time with AMAWaterways, just what you’d hope for. Our cruise director was top-notch. Even with the river flooding, we managed to visit all the spots that were promised. There were quite a few adjustments needed, but thanks to the dedication of the cruise director, captain, and the home office, all the issues caused by the rain and high water levels were sorted out.

I've been on four river cruises with AMA and I'm already booked for another. Each trip has been unique and unforgettable. I really enjoy the cozy vibe of a smaller boat with not too many folks on board, the amazing food, AMA's meticulous care, and their top-notch service. Most of the ports are small, lovely, and picturesque, and the views between them are consistently stunning.

We really enjoyed ourselves, and the staff was fantastic. But there were two smokers—a cigarette and a cigar—who decided to set up right in the center of the outdoor area, which totally ruined our chance to relax on the deck. The water levels were up, and a lot of the upper deck was off-limits, but even with that, the smoking in such a tight spot made it pretty uncomfortable.

There’s really nothing that compares to a large cruise vessel... but, you know, it can be a bit hit or miss with the weather... honestly, we faced a ton of rain, and the river was so high that we got stranded in Strasbourg, France. It wasn’t all bad, though; the food was tasty, and the bus service for our excursions kept on rolling. Eventually, we were transported to Basel as planned.

It's pretty tough to find anything to gripe about. The food was top-notch, the excursions were engaging and well-planned, and the local guides were really impressive. Housekeeping was fantastic throughout the ship, and the personalized service was spot on. The cabins were super efficient, making great use of every bit of space. Oh, and that latte machine at both ends of the ship? Total game changer! Plus, having bikes on board was a massive bonus.