Academy Travel Worldwide Destinations has just returned from an unforgettable journey along the Rhine River with AmaWaterways. Sailing from Basel, Switzerland through France and Germany, and ending in Amsterdam, this seven-night cruise combined breathtaking scenery, rich European history, exquisite dining, and an exceptional onboard experience.
After experiencing it firsthand, here is what it’s really like on an AmaWaterways river cruise, from embarkation to disembarkation.
Embarkation in Basel, Switzerland
Embarkation was seamless from the moment we arrived.
We used the included AmaWaterways airport transfer (available when purchasing airfare through their AmaAir program or booking a pre- or post-cruise land extension). As soon as we arrived at the ship, crew members were waiting to collect our luggage, allowing us to simply walk onboard and check in at the front desk, a refreshing change from the long lines and terminal chaos often associated with ocean cruises.
Until our staterooms were ready, we relaxed in the lounge enjoying lunch, snacks, and drinks. After a short walk exploring Basel, we returned to the ship where a crew member personally escorted us to our stateroom.
That evening at our first Sip & Sail cocktail hour, the crew was introduced, along with our cruise manager Ricardo and Captain Henk, who outlined what to expect throughout the journey. As a thoughtful touch, Captain Henk presented each woman onboard with a rose before dinner, just one example of the personalized atmosphere that defines river cruising.
Accommodations & Life Onboard the Ship
Aboard the AmaLucia
The AmaLucia is a beautifully designed and perfectly sized river ship, carrying approximately 114 guests on our sailing. Unlike large ocean vessels, the atmosphere is intimate and relaxed, allowing guests to truly connect with fellow travelers and crew.
Public spaces include:
- The Main Lounge (the social hub of the ship)
- The Main Dining Room
- The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
- Fitness center
- Massage room
- Sun deck with pool
The lounge quickly becomes the heart of the experience, home to Sip & Sail, evening entertainment, daily briefings, and casual conversation with the cruise manager.
Staterooms & Suites
Stateroom categories onboard include:
- Window cabins
- French Balcony staterooms
- Twin Balcony staterooms
- Twin Balcony Suites
We stayed in a French Balcony stateroom, which was especially convenient during colder weather. Being able to slide open the doors for fresh river air, and close them at our convenience, was a highlight.
Each stateroom includes thoughtful amenities such as:
- Complimentary reusable AmaWaterways water bottles
- Branded scarves or hats
- Umbrellas in the lobby
- QuietVox listening device for excursions
The personalized service from our stateroom attendant made the experience feel elevated yet comfortable.
The ship was beautifully decorated for Valentine’s Day, complete with themed cocktails, adding a festive and romantic atmosphere to our sailing.
Dining Onboard
Dining is a standout feature of the AmaWaterways experience.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served daily, with dinner typically offered at 7:00 or 7:30 PM depending on that day’s excursion schedule.
- Breakfast features a consistent menu with a variety of options.
- Lunch and dinner menus change daily and often reflect the region we are sailing through.
- Beer and wine are included with lunch and dinner.
- A cocktail and mocktail of the day are also complimentary.
The Chef’s Table
The Chef’s Table offers a specialty tasting menu (complimentary but reservation required). The multi-course dinner is beautifully presented and thoughtfully curated.
We especially enjoyed lunch at The Chef’s Table, which featured dishes such as freshly prepared pizzas or pastas that changed daily, along with dessert.
Sip & Sail, held daily at 6:00 PM, includes complimentary beer, wine, and hors d’oeuvres while guests gather in the lounge before dinner.
Dietary restrictions were easily accommodated, further highlighting the personalized service onboard.
Included Excursions & Immersive Experiences
Excursions are included in your AmaWaterways fare, a significant value component of the cruise.
Tours can be reserved in advance using the AmaWaterways app. Most days offer multiple options, typically walking tours, with accommodations for varying activity levels:
- Gentle (slower pace, suited for mobility concerns)
- Regular (moderate pace for most guests)
- Active (faster pace, more walking and inclines)
Each morning, guests receive a colored card at the front desk to designate their group, making it easy for families or friends to remain together.
The QuietVox listening device ensures you can hear your guide clearly while exploring cathedrals, historic towns, and castles.
A balance of guided touring and free time allows guests to shop, explore, or dine independently before returning to the ship.
Bicycles are also available onboard for guests who prefer to explore independently.
The Cruise Manager & Crew
Our cruise manager, Ricardo, was truly a highlight of the experience.
With an excellent staff-to-guest ratio, he knew each passenger personally and was present at nearly every destination. During the final minutes of Sip & Sail each evening, Ricardo provided a detailed preview of the next day’s schedule, including weather expectations, tour summaries, and helpful tips.
While sailing through the Rhine Gorge, he joined the captain in the wheelhouse to narrate the castles and share their history, transforming scenic cruising into an immersive experience.
Captain Henk was also highly visible throughout the ship, reinforcing the close-knit, welcoming atmosphere that sets river cruising apart.
For guests booking pre- or post-cruise land extensions, the cruise manager accompanies the group off the ship to ensure everything runs seamlessly.
Evening Entertainment & Atmosphere
Evenings onboard were elegant yet relaxed.
Local performers from the cities we visited joined us after dinner, bringing authentic cultural entertainment to the lounge. Our onboard pianist, Cezar, filled the lounge with music each evening during Sip & Sail and beyond.
The ambiance was refined, intimate, and social, without the high-energy crowds typical of ocean cruising.
What’s Included
AmaWaterways includes:
- Daily guided excursions
- Beer and wine with lunch and dinner
- Sip & Sail cocktail hour
- Cocktail and mocktail of the day
- WiFi
- Use of onboard bicycles
- Airport transfers when booking through AmaAir
Gratuities are not included but are recommended at the guest’s discretion.
Disembarkation in Amsterdam
Disembarkation was just as smooth as embarkation.
We placed our luggage outside our stateroom at 8:00 AM and enjoyed one final breakfast with our favorite waitstaff. The relaxed atmosphere continued through departure.
When our transfer arrived, our cruise manager, Ricardo, personally came to escort us from the lounge. We simply walked off the ship to find our luggage already loaded into our vehicle.
At the airport, an AmaWaterways representative was present to assist with luggage and check-in, a thoughtful final touch.
Final Thoughts
Our Rhine River cruise with AmaWaterways was an intimate, luxurious, and seamless way to experience multiple European destinations in just seven nights.
The calm atmosphere, exceptional service, included excursions, and immersive cultural touches created an experience that feels very different from ocean cruising. You truly get to know fellow passengers and crew while exploring historic towns, castles, and iconic river scenery.
This is a journey we would absolutely take again.
To experience Europe by river for yourself, contact Academy Travel Worldwide Destinations and allow us to help you plan your next unforgettable journey.
