AmaWaterways

Discover the Magic of River Cruising with AmaWaterways

River cruising is one of the most immersive and relaxing ways to explore the world, offering an unparalleled blend of luxury, adventure, and cultural discovery. For New Zealand travellers seeking a seamless and enriching travel experience, AmaWaterways stands out as a leader in the field. With a family-owned legacy spanning over two decades, AmaWaterways has redefined river cruising, delivering innovative itineraries, world-class dining, and personalised service that transforms each journey into something truly extraordinary.

Whether gliding through the heart of Europe, exploring the exotic landscapes of Southeast Asia, or discovering the historic waterways of Africa and South America, AmaWaterways offers a journey unlike any other. But what sets this award-winning river cruise line apart? Let’s take a closer look.

More Than Just a Cruise – A Luxury Experience

From the moment guests step aboard an AmaWaterways ship, they are welcomed into an intimate world of elegance and comfort. Unlike larger ocean liners, these beautifully designed river ships carry fewer guests, ensuring a more spacious, personalised, and relaxing atmosphere.

One of the most innovative ships in the fleet, AmaMagna, offers an incredible sense of space, with over half of its accommodations being luxury suites. Guests can unwind in stylish staterooms featuring twin-balcony designs, indulge in a cinematic experience at the onboard theatre, or embrace wellness at the expansive Zen Wellness Studio.

Seamless Travel – Unpack Once, Explore More

One of the biggest advantages of river cruising is the ease of travel. With AmaWaterways, guests only unpack once, yet wake up to a new and exciting destination each day. The ships dock right in the heart of cities and villages, making it effortless to step ashore and start exploring without the need for lengthy transfers or complicated itineraries.

Each route is carefully curated, passing through stunning landscapes, historic capitals, and hidden gems. Whether it’s sailing the Danube River through Vienna and Budapest, experiencing the rich flavours of Portugal’s Douro Valley, or soaking up the ancient history along the Nile in Egypt, every journey is a feast for the senses.

Excursions Tailored to Every Traveller

AmaWaterways takes shore excursions to the next level, offering up to six included tours per day, catering to all interests and activity levels. Whether you’re an active explorer or prefer a more leisurely pace, there’s an excursion designed for you.

• Active travellers can enjoy guided hikes, cycling tours, or invigorating walks through scenic countryside.

• History lovers can dive into the past with expert-led tours of medieval castles, UNESCO-listed sites, and vibrant cities.

• Food and wine enthusiasts can indulge in tastings of local specialities, from French wines in Bordeaux to handcrafted Belgian chocolates.

For those who like to sleep in, late-riser tours ensure no one misses out on the experience.

Culinary Excellence – A Taste of the Destination

Dining is an integral part of the AmaWaterways experience. With a commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients, guests can expect gourmet cuisine that reflects the flavours of the regions they sail through.

AmaWaterways is a proud member of La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, an internationally renowned culinary society, as well as Tables et Auberges de France, ensuring that every meal is a masterpiece. The Chef’s Table, a complimentary multi-course specialty restaurant, offers an intimate fine-dining experience, showcasing creative dishes paired with exquisite wines.

For those with specific dietary needs, vegetarian, gluten-free, and low-sodium options are always available. And of course, free-flowing local  premium  wines and beers enhance every lunch and dinner.

Wellness at the Heart of the Journey

AmaWaterways is committed to holistic travel, ensuring guests not only explore but also enhance their well-being while on board. Every ship in Europe and Asia  features a dedicated Wellness Host, offering complimentary small-group fitness classes, from stretching sessions to yoga and core-strengthening workouts.

For those looking for a more relaxed approach, there’s the sun-deck pool, a serene spa, and plenty of peaceful spaces to unwind while watching the world drift by. Whether it’s cycling along the riverbanks or simply soaking up the atmosphere on deck, AmaWaterways creates a balance between adventure and rejuvenation.

Exceptional Service – Personalised and Thoughtful

What truly sets AmaWaterways apart is its dedication to extraordinary service. The highly trained Cruise Managers and crew go above and beyond to make every journey special, offering warm, personalised attention. They remember guest preferences, anticipate needs before they arise, and create an atmosphere where every traveller feels valued and cared for.

This level of hospitality is one of the reasons AmaWaterways enjoys an exceptionally high rate of returning guests.

Leaders in Innovation and Sustainability

As a leader in the river cruise industry, AmaWaterways is continually innovating. It was the first to introduce twin-balcony staterooms, complimentary onboard bicycles, and even a full-sized pickleball court on the flagship AmaMagna.

Sustainability is also a key focus, with the company taking steps to reduce single-use plastics, install solar panels, and adopt environmentally friendly practices across its fleet.

Destinations That Inspire

With a diverse selection of itineraries, AmaWaterways offers cruises through some of the world’s most captivating regions, including:

• The Dutch and Belgian Waterways – Tulip-filled landscapes and charming canal cities.

• The Rhine, Moselle, Main, and Danube Rivers – Iconic European capitals and storybook villages.

• The Douro River, Portugal – Rolling vineyards and historic wine estates.

• Paris and Normandy – Art, culture, and World War II history.

• Colours of Provence – Sun-soaked lavender fields and exquisite French cuisine.

• Vietnam and Cambodia – The fascinating Mekong River, filled with history and culture.

• Colombia – An exciting new river cruise destination along the Magdalena River.

• Egypt and Africa – Ancient wonders along the Nile and safari adventures on the Chobe River.

No matter the destination, every AmaWaterways cruise delivers a blend of luxury, discovery, and cultural immersion.

Set Sail with AmaWaterways

For New Zealand travellers seeking an elevated river cruise experience, AmaWaterways offers the perfect combination of luxury, personalised service, and immersive travel. Whether you’re exploring Europe’s grand capitals, Asia’s hidden gems, or Africa’s untamed beauty, an AmaWaterways cruise is designed to inspire, delight, and create memories to last a lifetime.

Ready to start your journey? Speak to your local Helloworld Cruise Expert today and discover the AmaWaterways difference.