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Highlights of My “Africa River Cruise & Safari” with AMA Waterways

• July 12, 2017
• Category: Africa Safaris , AMA Waterways River Cruises , Chobe River In Botswana , Cruise Ship & Itinerary Reviews , Luxury & Upper Premium Experiences , River Cruises , Unesco World Heritage Sites

A vacation to Africa is the Ultimate Trip of a Lifetime and WAS the # 1 wish on our Travel “Bucket List”.

And although the cost of a trip like this needs deep pockets (or a 2 years worth of travel savings like some of the guests onboard did) and the flight travel from North America to South Africa is long, it is so VERY well worth it– as there truly is NO experience like it!!

We should point out that this trip is Much more “high end” than a typical AMA Waterways River Cruise experience in Europe and the itinerary gives you a really good sampling of South Africa but you will see what we mean when you dig into this blog and see our Pictures & Videos .

We would hate to say anything that would over-promise and under-deliver as that is not our style but we can tell you confidently that this itinerary (we did their “Stars of South Africa” option) is by far one of the best itineraries we have ever experienced, if not THE best!

We arrived into the Cape Town International Airport (CPT is the airport code) and a local representative with AMA was waiting in arrivals with a sign that said…

It was comforting to know that from this point on, we could sit back and the staff were there to take care of the rest!

We had a short 20 minute private transfer in a luxury car which had cold water, candies and even refreshing toiletries waiting for us after our flight. (never had that before) Nice touch!

Reservations were made by AMA for the Cape Grace Hotel ( which if you Google “top hotels in Cape Town” it will come up #1 or 2 ) which is an elegant, picturesque hotel at the “Victoria & Alfred” Waterfront in Cape Town.

Our hotel room faced “Table Mountain” where we had the most fantastic views and at every turn there were small touches and little extras done for us by the hotel that made us feel super special- we won’t go into detail about it, instead will let you be surprised. 🙂

Below you can see our hotel (the orange/redish one) and Table Mountain behind Shawn who is grinning from ear to ear!

For our first night we had a Welcome Reception in the library where we got to know our fellow 25 guests and our friendly tour guide, Kirsten, who gave us an overview of the itinerary as we sampled some delicious appetizers and African wines.

Tip: South Africa’s “Pinotage” wines are REALLY good. Give them a try during your visit. We all enjoyed a few glasses together. 🙂

There are so many pluses to having a “small group” including not having to wait around to board or disembark buses, safari jeeps or boats, no long line ups to contend with, exclusiveness and private events can still be experienced and enjoyed etc, etc.

See our small group below, we had SO much fun together!

Here are some of the Highlights of our “Stars of South Africa” Itinerary with AMA Waterways…

. cape town:.

“One of the Most Dramatic Coastlines in the World” ~ Shawn Power

Our very first morning we went to Cape of Good Hope/Table Mountain National Park .

To get to Cape Point, we took a scenic drive through the park lands and along the coastline and saw Ostriches, Seals, Horses, Antelope, Baboons and many species of birds and plants.

Then we took a Funicular ride up the side of a rock formation to enjoy the most unforgettable views (see picture below) overlooking Cape Point and the Atlantic and Indian Ocean… we saw ALL of this and it was only the morning of day one. Wow!!

We then stopped at the “ Cape of Good Hope ” which is the most South-Western point in all of Africa as stated below…

Penguin Viewing

Next we went to visit with Penguins in their natural habitat on Boulders Beach.

We were told it’s the easiest access in the world to see penguins as normally you have to take boats to deserted Islands to see them. See how cute they are?

Tip: We like to eat frequently throughout the day so we brought a trail mix & snacks on tours as lunch can be a bit later in the day during these full day tours so a little snack did the trick until! 🙂

Speaking of lunch, when on land extensions in Europe before/after an AMA River Cruise the only meals included are breakfasts at the hotels but as mentioned, in Africa they’re a much more inclusive product… for example on the way back to Cape Town from our scenic drive we had an included lunch at the “Harbour House” restaurant (a Beautiful Oceanside setting) which featured some yummy food & all the wine/beer/soft drinks, etc. that we wanted!

For your 2nd full day in Cape Town you have a choice of a visit to Cape Vineyards or a visit to Robben Island.

We chose UNESCO World Heritage Site “Robben Island” as we have been to so many wineries over the years whereas this is the small island, 30 minutes by ferry, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years and his story touches us.

We really enjoyed the visit and especially the private bus we had for our small group (unlike the other buses that were packed full with people —we had lots of space to stretch out) and our guide was super enthusiastic & passionate about sharing he knowledge with us.

Then our next guide who took us through the jail was a former inmate (see his picture below with Shawn) who gave us personal insight as to how it was living in the jail… it is quite moving emotionally & we would highly recommend it!!

TIP: Those in our group who went to the Vineyard raved about it also. Just pick the excursion that stands out for you… either excursion- you will be happy you did it. BUT, if you fly in to Cape Town a few days early (which we recommend) you can do one on your own (the ferry to Robben Island for example is just a few minutes from the Cape Grace Hotel so easy/peezy!) and then the other with AMA. Smart huh!?! 🙂

After another scrumptious lunch at an African Restaurant at the “Victoria & Alfred” Waterfront  we took a Cable Car up Table Mountain and had the most incredible views!!

FYI, those who went to the winery also went to Table Mountain too! See a couple pictures of the views we had…

. . “ZAMBEZI QUEEN” RIVER BOAT ON THE CHOBE RIVER

This was a special experience NOT to be missed!

“On the Chobe River at night time, lying in our cozy bed, we could hear the animal & bird sounds and we would listen in amazement wondering which animal/bird it was… one morning we found out… we took a land safari and learned that a Lion had made a kill. Sad for the Buffalo but it goes to prove that it’s as authentic as it gets doing a River Cruise on The Chobe!!”

After a couple of short flights, an open-air safari vehicle ride, a short scenic boat ride and a few stamps on our passports, we arrived to the beautiful/very small/28-passenger “Zambezi Queen” House Boat (we will call her a “House Boat” from now on as we think this best describes her)…

We were welcomed onboard by the staff with African song and laughter and then we enjoyed cocktails on the upper deck while we snapped pictures of the wildlife & scenery as the ship sailed.

Within 30 minutes onboard we had seen a herd of Elephants, Buffalo, Deer, a Hippopotamus, birds and the most peaceful river views.

Here are a couple scenes from the boat…

Click here to See More Pictures of the Zambezi Queen

All the guests commented that if this was any indication of what the rest of our time onboard the Zambezi Queen was going to be like- we were in for one fantastic vacation!! 🙂

The following days onboard in Botswana & Namibia were truly special because we did multiple…

Water Safaris & Bird Watching!

We boarded small safari boats and our guides knew all the best spots to take us to see wildlife just like this picture of us above…

We didn’t know what to expect but we were in awe and needed to pinch ourselves to make sure it wasn’t a dream we were having!!

We saw a ton of birds, a Giraffe, Buffalo, Hippos, gigantic Crocodiles, Impalas, Warthogs & herds of Elephants trumpeting through the flats. ( you should see the video we took of this )

The best part was that we had ample time to sit, to take pictures and to truly be one with nature and the wild animals.

After a delicious lunch we went back out on the safari boats to see more wildlife and bird watching. In addition to the King Fishers, Pelicans, Bird Eagles and SO MANY more birds , we again encountered the larger animals on our excursion.

On top of that, our guide had a cooler with water, African wines, beer and the Zambezi Queen’s chef made some samosas and packed a few other snacks for us to enjoy while we watched intently with our jaws almost to the floor!!

Just take a look at what we saw…

Check out MORE Pictures and Videos of Our Time On Our Africa Safari & Wildlife River Cruise here

. Land Safari in Chobe National Park

On top of all the “Water Safaris” we did from the Zambezi Queen, one day we also took Safari jeeps into the Chobe National Park to see even more wildlife during a “Land Safari”.

NOTICE that each set of seats is at a different height so everyone can see no matter where you are sitting… smart engineering!

TIP: See those hats we have on our heads in the above picture? We recommend having them for your Safaris. Buy one that has a tie string so it stays on when moving in the boats & jeeps. Ours also had an extra piece that came down to protect our necks from the sun. We LOVE these hats!! You can spend hours in the sun at any given time looking for wildlife, so come prepared!

TIP for the Ladies: The terrain on the Safaris gets a little bumpy (nothing serious) but it may be a good idea to bring a couple of sports bras for more comfort! 😉

On our land safari we saw this rare species of antelope… check out this picture of how sweet he is:

And we saw SO MANY animals and birds including Lionesses, Warthogs, a family of Giraffes, Vultures, etc. Here are a couple of pictures…

Nancy said at one point “On this trip every morning I “Cannot Wait” to get out of bed to see what the day’s adventures will bring. I have a perma smile BEFORE I have my coffee, now that’s a BIG deal!” LOL

We also had a Safari Picnic that was tasty and gave us all time to talk about the incredible morning we were having so far!!

Nancy was hungry, she was sat first in this picture. 🙂

. . African Village Visit

On our last morning on the Chobe River we took a short walk through a Subia Tribe Village in Namibia where the locals invited us into their homes…

…and welcomed us with song and dance. The African people are very talented musicians and have really good harmonies. It was a joy to watch and listen to them.

Please bring along suggested gifts (that will be in your documents approx. 3 weeks before you go) for the school if you so desire. We brought pencils, paper, etc.

Our Onboard Experience on the “Zambezi Queen” Boat Overall:

“From our house boat we had the most incredible sunsets and sunrises… brushing our teeth one morning we could see Giraffes walking on the river bank. Pretty Amazing!!”

We have to say that overall our experience onboard the beautiful/very small/28-passenger “Zambezi Queen” was REALLY good!

Unlike the Danube or Rhine River in Europe the Chobe’s highlight, besides the incredible scenery, is that boat traffic was practically non-existent here.

When you look at the remote area the ship is in, you will wonder “how” they are able to provide you with the most delicious entrees.

TIP: Because it is remote, please don’t expect 5 star dining onboard but DO expect fresh tasty food. If you are not a bread person- you will be by the time you disembark this boat as their fresh made breads are out of this world yummy! 🙂

We enjoyed complimentary South African wines, beer, local spirits and soft drinks while we relaxed and socialized with our new friends on the top deck that has 360 degrees of panorama views perfect for wildlife viewing.

The staff are super friendly and are there to attend to your every need. You get the sense that there is more staff then needed- not a bad complaint because it means you’ll be well taken care of !!

If there was one complaint it is that the walls are thin room to room, definitely not a deal breaker, but it is something we noticed. If you are super sensitive to sound, maybe bring earplugs- we brought them but didn’t need to use them– but everyone is different.

Our room was one of four 300 square foot Master Suites onboard. (the other 10 suites are between 215-235 Sq Ft so all a nice size with great views!)

Have a look at a couple pics we took of it… you’ll notice we have LOTS of floor to ceiling windows/sliding glass doors so we could enjoy the sunset views and the breeze!!

VICTORIA FALLS:

We were sad to leave the “Zambezi Queen” but this afternoon we arrived in beautiful Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe for two nights.

We checked into the Victoria Falls Hotel which was an old train station converted into a character hotel. It is several miles but directly behind Victoria Falls where you can sit and have lunch and watch the mist coming up from the Falls… it’s literally the best hotel in the region.

We took a steam train ride that included all drinks and delicious appetizers. (the lamb is the best!)

And then we stopped on the bridge right in front of the magnificent Victoria Falls for great views and picture taking. We sat there for some time so we could take it all in, no rushing.

TIP: If you see locals selling wood and stone animal carvings, take advantage! You can get them for $5 each here and around the hotel. Whereas, if you go to the shops they will cost $12 for example.

Shopping for an African Painting?

If yes, we know just where to go. We receive no compensation for telling you this but we happened to luck out and find a local painter who did the most incredible work and we bought this painting from him of a Baby Leopard lying on a tree branch. So if you are looking to bring home a painting souvenir, this is the place to go in our opinion.

How to get there? In the main shopping district on Livingston Street, on the left hand side you will see a sign that says ”Trading Post”. Take a left at that sign and you will see him Painting in this square.

Walk to The Falls

For our 2nd day in Victoria Falls, after a delicious breakfast, we were given rain coats in preparation for the walk to see Victoria Falls up close . It’s a path that has many stops along the way so you can take pictures but the closer you get the more you need to pack away your camera or it will be soaked.

We really enjoyed the 50 minute leisurely flat surface walk and got some great shots… and yes, we did end up getting soaked but it was all part of the fun! (No worries, if you really don’t want to get wet you can turn back before the water starts coming down on you & you’ll still have seen the Falls up close in all it’s Glory!)

TIP: Wear flip flops or water shoes and quick drying/light clothes that day & take along a zip-lock bag for your camera.

Sunset Boat Ride on the Zambezi River

After a short bus ride we boarded a small river boat for delicious appetizers and drinks while we watched the sunset (there is NOTHING like an African sunset) and we got to see more wild animals- just look at the Elephant behind Shawn’s shoulder…

…and listened to the story of David Livingston who became famous for first shedding light and helping abolish slavery in Africa. It was moving!

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

Arriving in Johannesburg for two nights we settled into the Villa-style mansion called “Hotel Fairlawns Boutique & Spa”, one of the best hotels in the city.

Our suite was stunning (see pictures below) and one of the top 5 hotel rooms we have ever had … we dined here & enjoyed the tastiest meal with free flowing cocktails and then had after-dinner drinks in our suite by a roaring fireplace!

Our second day in “Joburg” (as they call it) we visited the Kliptown Youth Program in Soweto — the term ghetto would best describe this town.

The people, although they have nothing materially, seemed quite happy. Not one bit of begging like you would expect. An eye opener really for us North Americans.

We learned all about Apartheid and even though it ended in 1991 it will take generations more to erase it completely.

The Kliptown Youth Program http://www.kliptownyouthprogram.org.za helps youth go to school and give them opportunity they would otherwise not have.

Here is Shawn with some students who put on a wonderful song & dance performance for us …

After our visit to Kliptown we enjoyed a traditional African lunch in a local Soweto restaurant … overall a nice day in Johannesburg!!

Tintswalo Safari Lodge at Kruger National Park

Arriving at “Tintswalo Safari Lodge” today, we were welcomed with a great lunch after we unlocked the doors to our i-n-c-r-e-d-i-b-l-e Suite that has a private pool and is surrounded by Kruger Park. (this Lodge has just 8 rooms!)

The lodge has a limited number of guests so they are able to add personalized touches and the lodge has no perimeter leaving it open to the wilderness which makes this location so unique & special.

Here are a few pictures of our lovely room…

Then we went on an Evening Game Drive in Kruger Park and sat back while our tracker, Eric, looked for foot prints and our guide, Dave, drove us to see lots of animals but the very first sighting we viewed was this (our mouths were to the floor, we are sure of it LOL)…

We have Video of the Cubs too!!

Eric & Dave were SO GOOD at what they did, they know the area inside out and are in their element out there!! We felt completely safe with them and they were super skilled at finding the “Big Five”.

Then we had a BBQ under the stars for dinner. It was a cool evening (it’s the winter months at this time in June) so they brought us hot water bottles for our laps and when we returned to our room to settle in for the night we had hot water bottles in our bed covers too … how nice!!! 🙂

Early Morning Game Reserve Drive

Our wake up call was at 5:30 am. Coffee was awaiting us in the main lodge and hot water bottles and blankets in our seats for the early morning game drive . Now that is attention to detail!!

Speaking of…

DID YOU KNOW?…

That there are different QUALITY of game drive reserves?

We noticed very few vehicles on our drives- that’s because there are 10 vehicles in our area covering 23,000 hectares of park whereas another game drive nearby has 50 vehicles moving through about 7,000 hectares of game reserve park … what a difference in quality and the overall experience!!

Imagine finding a Pride of Loins (which we did see on this morning) and having two vehicles show up to enjoy the viewing- yes please! Or have 10 vehicles show up fighting for space to take pictures or to get a glimpse at the animals over all that commotion… No thanks!!

We liked our private viewing much better…

Not to mention the fact that other vehicles jam packed guests together but in ours we were spread out. We had two safari vehicles for 11 people, never having more then 6 people in a vehicle for comfort and visibility … not bad, right? 🙂

We did another Bush Drive in the afternoon and had many little surprises from the Lodge along the way, making our safari adventure even more special. We won’t tell to you about them- leaving them as a surprise for you! 🙂

We luckily got to see ALL the BIG FIVE animals here in Kruger Park .

The big five animals are the Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard and Rhino. The term “Big Five” are referred to as the five most dangerous animals in Africa.

The next few days we did several game drives (2 per day plus a walking tour which was optional) here are a few pictures of what we saw before heading to the airport for home…

The Sunrises & Sunsets are Spectacular in Africa too! The sun seems so close, like you could reach out and touch it! Then, at nighttime, the sky is so clear that you can see as many stars as the eye can hold, it is breathtaking.

A FEW MORE TIPS:

• With the inter-Africa flights, we checked “ourselves” in 24 hours prior for two reasons: 1. So we could select better seats and so that when we got to the airport with our group we could just go to the bag drop counter which is usually empty or close to it. Much easier!!!
• What Currency should I travel with to Africa? Locals will take USD so bring that with you and credit card(s). We will typically bring about 50 one dollar and small bills for tipping and a $1000-$2000 cash as a emergency reserve.
• How will I communicate with locals in Africa? In Africa there are many native tongue languages but English is well spoken here so you will have no trouble communicating.
• Should I worry about getting sick from the food or water in Africa? No. The water is purified and the food is good quality. We & the other guests enjoyed all of our meals without issue and lots bottled water was provided for hydration.

• We bought a three prong African Converter from Amazon to plug in our electronics.
• IMPORTANT TIP/PLEASE NOTE : This trip is truly NOT for people who need a wheelchair or assistance getting around . If you have a cane and can still climb stairs and have a healthy balance then this is suitable. Just so you are aware.

Well there you have it, all about our first (and not our last) incredible trip to Africa and some helpful tips to make your journey even better then ours!

Now keep in mind, we did the “Stars of South Africa” itinerary with AMA Waterways but there are 5 different itineraries to choose from so be sure to check with an expert like Shawn about those options and specific details to find out which one would be best suited for you.

With that said, of our group of 25 people, 10 flew home after Johannesburg and didn’t do a Safari extension like we did at “Tintswalo Lodge” in Krueger Park and from the sounds of it 10 out of 10 of them regretted it! So, don’t make this mistake and think you’re going to see everything you want to on the Chobe River, the animals in this region are unique and it was a totally different experience from the Safaris up at Chobe.

**Update in July, 2024 from Shawn** As mentioned above, this wouldn’t be my last time in Africa doing Safaris, and sure enough 7 years later I headed back to Africa, this time to “East Africa”, to Kenya/Tanzania/Rwanda to do some more Safaris… 

… this Tauck Land Tour is what I took in June/July, 2024 and, like in my above review, I saw MANY  Amazing animals during my time there… our Safaris/”Game Drives” were all truly unforgettable experiences like above in South Africa!!

BUT, on my 2024 tour, I experienced something VERY unique/what for me was a truly incredible experience!!

As I talk about in my 2024 Africa Safari review here and in the captions under my picture & video gallery here the main “highlight” I was looking forward to on that trip was “Trekking” to see Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda … and as I talk about in the links at the beginning of this paragraph, that experience definitely did not disappoint… it was EVERYTHING I had hoped for!! 🙂

Point being, as you’ll see here , AMA Waterways also DOES offer an extension to Rwanda to see the Gorillas on all their Africa River Cruise & Safari trips!

When I went with AMA above in 2017 they didn’t offer their Rwanda extension so I didn’t know much about it till I went there in 2024 and experienced it so it’s not something I recommended to my AMA clients going to Africa in the past BUT from now on I for sure recommend you to visit the Gorillas if that’s something that appeals and works for you budget-wise/timing-wise…

…as I’m very confident it’s an experience you’ll cherish for the rest of your life when it comes to the travels you’ve enjoyed all around the World!!

Any questions at all about this South Africa trip with “AMA Waterways” or if you’re ready to book this Journey or any other  Tauck Land Tour  or Ocean Cruise or  River Cruise  simply let me know…

…as always,  it’d be my pleasure to help you get that next Great Vacation planned & booked!! 🙂 

Interested in other “Africa Safari” options? If so, this article shows you all the best ones!

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Shawn Power Your Trusted Cruise & Tauck Tour Expert!

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About AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising.

AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy. All Three brought tremendous experience, knowledge and dedication to the venture. Rudi was one of river cruising’s pioneers, having introduced the modern-day river cruise concept to the market. Kristin brought with her vast sales and customer service experience. And Jimmy Murphy is the founder and former owner of Brendan Vacations. Their combined expertise and passion for the river cruise business results in a river cruise vacation experience that will exceed expectations. With more than 20 different itineraries to choose from, the river cruise vacation of a lifetime awaits with AmaWaterways!

Health and Safety Protocols

The world has changed; however, our commitment to the health and safety of our guests and crew remains of the utmost importance to us. We want to reassure you that we are working with global health authorities and local governments in the U.S. and around the world to follow all the most up-to-date health and safety protocols, some of which we have summarized for you below.Our experienced staff and crew have undergone special training and will be advised and guided by a Public Health Officer. As always, our crew will be on hand to take care of all the details so you can relax and enjoy your much-anticipated river cruise vacation.

Please note: As new information becomes available, the Health and Safety Protocols below will be updated. Further details will be provided in your Digital Travel Documents prior to departure.

Whether you are a loyal past guest or are considering river cruising with us for the first time, we thank you for entrusting AmaWaterways with your future river cruise plans. Here are some of the measures we are taking to protect our guests on board and ashore:

Prior to boarding, an online health and contact screening questionnaire will be required.

At embarkation, guests’ temperatures will be taken with no-contact infrared thermometers. If, for any reason, further testing is required, shoreside medical treatment centers are within close proximity.

Your luggage handles will be sanitized before delivery to your stateroom.

Protocols continue to change; however, at this time, guests are required to wear face coverings when moving through public spaces.

We will have ample hand sanitizers available throughout the ship and their frequent use is required by all guests and crew.

Our crew has implemented enhanced cleaning and disinfecting measures throughout the ship. You will likely notice our crew cleaning public areas more frequently. Special attention will be paid to areas like staircases, public washrooms, armrests in the lounge and guardrails. We use hospital-grade disinfectants for continual surface cleaning in public areas. Additional deep cleaning will take place throughout the entire ship between each sailing. Your designated stateroom steward will clean your stateroom twice daily.

We use state-of-the-art fan coiled air conditioning units; there is no recirculating of air on board our ships. The air is always fresh and clean as all staterooms and public areas are equipped with state-of-the-art individual fan coiled air conditioning units. Each stateroom has its own sophisticated heating/cooling system – a fan coil unit located in the ceiling inside the stateroom above the entry area. The main public areas – lounge and restaurants – have their own high-quality air-fog system to continuously ensure clean air. On our European ships, there are no air conditioning systems blowing cold air that would circulate throughout the entire ship as you would find in standard air conditioning units.

There will be limitations to the number of guests allowed to sail with us. You will have plenty of space to roam as we will limit the number of guests on board depending on the most up-to-date guidelines in effect at the time of sailing. For 2020 sailings, the current regulations for river cruise ships are set at a maximum capacity of 100 guests. We anticipate that many departures will have even fewer guests on board.

Safety and social distancing will be enhanced throughout our dining room. Our dining room setups and attentive service will be compliant with social distancing guidelines and current food and beverage safety recommendations. Our crew will serve you at your table and will be happy to offer you a similar choice of menu items formerly available at our buffets. A limited room service menu will also be available during mealtimes.

You will still get plenty of fresh air and exercise as our bicycles, fitness mats and equipment will be thoroughly sanitized after each use. Use of the Fitness Room is by appointment with cleaning time between use. Throughout Europe and Asia, we provide a variety of onboard wellness activities led by professionally trained Wellness Hosts. Whenever weather permits, these small-group classes will be held on our spacious open-air Sun Decks.

Non-essential visitors are not permitted on board. Historically, we have allowed a limited number of visitors on board, such as travel advisors learning more about our ships or guests on other river cruise ships wanting to sail with us in the future. For the safety of our guests and crew, non-essential visitors will no longer be allowed on board.

Your personal portable Quietvox commentary systems will allow you to hear guides while social distancing. AmaWaterways provides a complimentary personal Quietvox commentary system for every guest to use throughout your journey. Powered by a sustainable rechargeable battery within your own stateroom, your portable Quietvox system allows you to hear your guide during excursions while permitting comfortable social distancing. A brand-new set of headphones that plugs into the Quietvox will be provided to you at the beginning of your sailing; you may also bring and use your own personal set of plug-in headphones.

Shore excursions will be conducted in small groups. Guests must use hand sanitizers when getting on and off our coaches that are thoroughly cleaned each morning.

In the event that ships are docked side by side, guests will be required to pass over Sun Decks. AmaWaterways’ ships are occasionally required to dock side by side with other river cruise ships while in certain ports, which requires guests from one ship to enter the other to go ashore. In these cases, guests from other ships will be required to pass over the open-air Sun Deck rather than through the interior of your ship. Our exterior handrails will also be sanitized on a high-frequency basis.

Pre-boarding medical test and isolation periods, in-depth health and safety training, face coverings and social distancing are required.

Crew must have certified medical clearance certificate plus undergo pre-boarding COVID-19 testing and are kept in an isolation period prior to embarking.

All our crew have participated in in-depth training on enhanced operating protocols led by our experienced corporate Designated Hygiene Officer in consultation with international and national health authorities. Each ship has their own Public Health Officer overseeing all aspects of health and sanitation for guests and crew.

Health will be monitored for potential symptoms as well as through twice daily temperature checks.

Crew will be required to wear face coverings during working hours and continue to respect social distancing in their living quarters.

AmaWaterways Ships

AmaKristina

AmaCerto (do not use)

Zambezi Queen

Questions & Answers

Is it possible to smoke onboard.

Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside any of the AmaWaterways ships. Smoking is only permitted on the Aft of the Sun Deck. For the safety and comfort of all passengers on board, your cooperation in observing the no-smoking policy is greatly appreciated.

I have a dietary restriction can you accommodate that?

At the time of booking please advise your cruise specialist if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies so AmaWaterways can do their best to accommodate your request. Please note, though they can provide options to accommodate food allergies and sensitivities, they cannot guarantee there will not be any cross-contamination.

Do you accept traveller's cheques onboard?

AmaWaterways does not accept traveller's cheques onboard however you can settle your account onboard with a credit card or cash.

Can we reserve a table at the restaurant?

All ships have an open seating policy in the main restaurant to ensure you have the opportunity to meet your fellow travellers. Reservations for the speciality tasting menu at The Chef's Table Restaurant can be made once you are on board the ship. The Chef's Table Restaurant is available on all AmaWaterways ships in Europe and the Mekong River. It is not available in Portugal or Africa.

What's the dress code?

Comfortable “Country Club Casual” is the recommended attire for daytime, and to pack something a little dressier for the Captain’s night/Farewell Dinner – similar to how one would dress to dine at a 5-star restaurant. Comfortable shoes are recommended for excursions and workout clothing if you plan to take part in any wellness activities, active tours or use the onboard gym. Depending on the time of year, clothing that can be layered is highly recommended. Vietnam & Cambodia: It is always advisable to travel light in Southeast Asia. For the hot and humid weather, lightweight easy-care clothing that includes some long-sleeved items for protection from mosquitoes and sun, raingear, and comfortable walking shoes that you won’t mind getting wet or muddy. We also recommend you pack a few smart casual items to wear at the Welcome and Farewell dinners. Africa: When travelling through Africa, it is always advisable to travel light as some itineraries baggage size and weight are strictly limited. On Safari: casual, easy-care clothing that includes some long-sleeved items for protection from mosquitoes and sun. Attire during Winter (April - September): it is wise to bring some warm clothes for chilly early morning and late night temperatures. Dressing in layers is also recommended, as temperatures rise quickly during the day. Dining in Town: If you plan on dining at a fine restaurant in a city such as Cape Town or Johannesburg, “smart casual” is the norm – no ties for men or evening dresses for women are necessary.

Is there internet available on board?

Europe: High-speed Internet service is available free of charge as part of the in-stateroom "Entertainment-On-Demand." Additionally, AmaWaterways offers complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship. Vietnam and Cambodia: Free Internet and Wi-Fi in the lounge with computer stations. Africa: Due to environmental preservation there is no internet connection aboard the Zambezi Queen.

Are AmaWaterway ships wheelchair accessible?

Europe: Wheelchair accessibility is very limited on the European ships. There is an elevator between the two main decks, however, it does not reach the Sun deck or Piano deck. The passenger would be able to move around the dining room and lounge in their chair, however, the rooms are not able to accommodate a wheelchair, so while in their stateroom they would need to be able to move around on their own. Their chair would also need to be stored in their stateroom, due to limited storage on board. Getting on and off the ship, could pose a challenge as the planks are narrow and cannot accommodate a wheelchair or scooter's width. The passenger would have to be able to get on and off the ship without their wheelchair and the wheelchair would have to be light enough to be lifted off and on the ramps. It is common to tie up to other river ships in port and when this happens we would sometimes need to travel through another ship to disembark, with many ships requiring it to be done via Sun deck, which is stair access only. During the excursions, a good majority of the cities visited have the cobblestone walkways and this may be a challenge to manoeuvre with a wheelchair. The motor coaches Amawaterways use as a main means of transport will require the passengers to be able to do stairs as there are usually 4 or 5 steep steps to get on and off the coach. Vietnam, Cambodia & Africa: These itineraries require a person to be able-bodied. There are many unpaved roads and the ships do not have elevators to accommodate the passenger.

What's the minimum age to travel with AmaWaterways?

The AmaWaterways programs in Europe & Southeast Asia, children under the age of 4 years old are not permitted onboard and children 4-7 years old are not recommended due to the limited facilities for them. On their Africa program, due to safety precautions, there is a minimum age limit of 12 years old, unless otherwise agreed upon by AmaWaterways. All guests under the age of 18 are to be in a stateroom with an adult, and must remain supervised at all times, as their safety is the responsibility of the accompanying adult(s). Children between the ages of 4 – 10 at the time of embarkation may share a stateroom with 2 adults provided the child is able to share the bed with the adults – no additional bed will be provided. Select ships offer a limited number of staterooms with a fold out sofa for a triple occupant, we would be happy to guide you through these options when available. A triple occupancy rate will apply for the child sharing the stateroom, pricing can be provided upon request. Please be aware that balcony staterooms of any kind may be unsafe for small children if left unsupervised. AmaWaterways does not provide child-specific programs or child-minding facilities. Please reach out to your cruise specialist if you have any further questions regarding AmaWaterways child policy.

Is there a pool on board?

Europe: All ships are equipped with a whirlpool or heated swimming pool, perfect for a refreshing dip. Saunas are available on select ships. Africa: The Sun Deck has a small environmentally-friendly pool for your enjoyment.This pool is filled with filtered water from the Chobe River and is drained and refilled each day. No harmful chemicals are ever added to the water in order to protect the wildlife living in and along the river. Vietnam & Cambodia: There is a refreshing pool located on the Sun Deck. Please note there is no attendant on duty and use of these facilities is solely at your own risk.

Are audio sets provided for the shore excursions?

During shore excursions in Europe, Vietnam & Cambodia, you will be provided with a sophisticated audio headset system that allows you to comfortably listen to your tour guide while taking photos or admiring some of Europe's hidden gems.

What beverages are included on board?

Europe: Coffee, tea and specialty coffees, such as espresso and café latte are available free of charge throughout the day and during meals. Complimentary bottled water is replenished daily. During lunch and dinner, local wines soft drinks and beer are available on a complimentary basis. Also, enjoy the daily "Sip and Sail" cocktail hour. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are available at additional cost. Vietnam & Cambodia: Complimentary soft drinks, juices, house brand spirits, local beers, filtered coffee and tea are available during the cruise. Free flowing wine with every lunch and dinner on board. Imported wine and premium alcoholic beverages are available to purchase at an additional cost. Complimentary bottled water is replenished daily. Africa: Complimentary wine and beer is served with all lunch and dinners on board. Coffee and tea are available free of charge throughout the day and during meals from the bar. Premium alcoholic beverages as well as drinks outside of meal times are available at the bar for additional cost. Complimentary bottled water is replenished daily.

What type of cuisine is available on board?

Europe: All meals are skillfully prepared by European chefs and consist of Continental cuisine made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible. Breakfast is buffet-style with selections available from the menu as well. Lunch is also buffet-style with salads, soups and a selection of hot buffet items, hot entrees and desserts. Dinner is a multi-course meal with a choice of delicious entrees, including a vegetarian option. Vietnam & Cambodia: All meals are prepared by local chefs and consist of Western cuisine as well as Vietnamese and Cambodian cuisine. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style. Dinner is a multi-course meal with a selection of entrées. Africa: All meals are prepared by local chefs and consist of Western cuisine as well as local cuisine. The mornings offer a full English breakfast and the afternoons offer a lavish gourmet lunch buffet. Dinner is a multi-course meal with a selection of entrées. Certain meals will be served on land.

Are all meals included?

All meals on board the ships are included in the cruise price. Meals are served in the dining room in a single seating. For dinner, passengers will be seated by a dining room host.

Are bicycles available?

Europe: Each ship has a limited number of bicycles and helmets available for use when the ship is docked and can be signed out for independent use. Most sailings will also offer a choice of bicycle lead excursions with a tour guide and these can be reserved once you are on board. AmaWaterwayds do not have bicycles available on their ships in Portugal. Please note the use of the bicycles is at your own risk. Therefore, without limitation, AmaWaterways and all of its affiliates are not responsible for any injuries sustained during their use.

Is there laundry service on board?

Laundry services are available on board for a fee and a price list will be available in your stateroom. Please note that clothes cannot be dry cleaned on board.

Is there a Fitness Center on board?

All of the ships in Europe and the Mekong River have a fitness room with a selection of exercise equipment. Hours of operation vary according to the ship and please note there is no attendant on duty and therefore, without limitation, AmaWaterways and its affiliates are not responsible for any injuries sustained during the use of the fitness room.

Do I need to bring a converter or an adaptor?

Electricity on board all ships is 220v, with 2-pin power outlets. You will need an adapter or converter depending on which electrical appliances you choose to bring with you.

Is there air conditioning available in the staterooms?

All the staterooms on the ships in Europe, Africa, Vietnam and Cambodia are equipped with individual climate controls.

What are the gratuities guidelines?

Gratuities to your Cruise Manager and ship crew are not included in the cruise price. While the amount of these gratuities will depend upon your degree of satisfaction for services received, many guests have asked AmaWaterways for general tipping guidelines. Here are their recommendations: Europe: For great service, we recommend 3 Euros per passenger, per day for the Cruise Manager and 12 Euros per passenger, per day for the crew, which will be divided up among the ship's personnel. It is also customary to acknowledge a particularly good performance of a local guide by leaving a tip of 1-2 Euros per tour and Bus Drivers 1 Euro. Gratuities on most vessels, but not all, may be charged on credit card as well as cash. Vietnam & Cambodia: Pre and Post Cruise: National Guide US $2 per person per day. Local Guides, US $1 per person per half-day tour, US $2 per person per full day tour. Bus Drivers, US $.50 per person for half-day tour, US $2 per person for full day tour. Cruise: Cruise Director, US $2 per person per day. Ship's Crew, US $10 per person per day. Cruise Guide in Cambodia, US $2-3 per person per day (covers all shore excursions in Cambodia). Cruise Guide in Vietnam, US $2-3 per person per day (covers all shore excursions in Vietnam.) Africa: Gratuities are not included in the vacation price. The suggested tipping policy on board is between $65-80 per cabin for the 4-night cruise. Of course, all tips are at the traveller's personal discretion.

What time is Disembarkation?

Europe: Official disembarkation time is 9 a.m. You may disembark earlier if the ship is moored in the location you are disembarking in, and you may disembark later providing you have vacated your stateroom and checked out before 9 a.m. If you have purchased transfers with AmaWaterways, please refer to your documents for disembarkation instructions. Vietnam & Cambodia: For Disembarkations Scheduled for Tonle Sap Lake (Direction Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap), disembarkation is 8:45 a.m and you will be transferred to Sofitel Angkor hotel in Siem Reap. During low water season, you will disembark the ship at Preak Kdam, a small village on the Tonle River and arrive at the Sofitel Siem Reap at 1:30 p.m. For Disembarkations Scheduled for Ho Chi Minh City (Direction Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City), disembarkation time is 8:30 a.m. at My Tho Port and you will be transferred to Sofitel Plaza Saigon in Ho Chi Minh City.

What time is Embarkation?

Europe: Official embarkation time is 3 p.m. for all ships. This allows the staff to prepare your stateroom and have the ship ready for the next departure. If you arrive earlier, you may check your luggage on board, and then explore the embarkation port city. Please refer to your travel documents for specific instructions on where to embark and your official embarkation time. Vietnam & Cambodia: On Cruise Embarkation Day, passengers will proceed to the AmaDara via a transfer from one of the hotels listed below: For embarkations scheduled for Tonle Sap Lake: Register at the AmaDara Check-In Desk located in the lobby of the Sofitel Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap, at 11:00 a.m. Passengers will then be transferred to the ship. Low Water Season: Your registration at Lobby of Sofitel Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap, will take place at 7:30 a.m. A motorcoach transfer to your ship will depart Sofitel Angkor Hotel at 8:15 a.m. this transfer will take approximately 5 hours with a stop en route at Kampong Thom and you will embark the ship at Prek Kdam, rather than the Tonle Sap Lake. For embarkations scheduled for Ho Chi Minh City: Register at the AmaDara Check-In Desk located in the lobby of the Sofitel Plaza Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City, at 11:00 a.m. Passengers will then be transferred to the ship at My Tho Port to arrive by 2:00 p.m.

Are shore excursions included?

Europe: A sightseeing tour is included in each city or town you visit, along with free time to explore the city according to your own interests. The sightseeing tours can take place on foot, via motor coach, or a combination of the two. Each tour is led by a qualified, licensed English-speaking local guide or your Cruise Manager. In addition to the Gentle and Active Walkers groups for some excursions, AmaWaterways have a "Late Starter" option for guests who wish to sleep in but do not want to miss key tour highlights. For those guests interested in exploring Europe from an exciting new perspective, we offer guided bicycle and hiking tours in select cities (capacity controlled). In addition to their many choices of excursions, they also offer Special Interest Tours, offering small groups the chance to be even more immersed in the local life and culture. In the event of water level problems on certain stretches of the river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the daily program as determined by the ship's Captain. Vietnam & Cambodia: A sightseeing tour is included at each location on the itinerary. The sightseeing tours can involve walking on uneven ground and steps, travel by motorcoach, local boat or a combination thereof. Each tour is led by a qualified English-speaking local guide. In the rare event of water level problems, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the daily program whenever conditions render it necessary, by determination of the ship's captain. Africa: All excursions are included.

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Travel Experience: Africa River Cruise with AMAWaterways

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Travel Experience: Africa River Cruise with AMAWaterways 

After arriving back from a 14-day African cruise with AMAWaterways arranged by our team at Accent on Travel, we wanted to find out what Terry Young from Arlington, Virginia, thought of her overall experience. Traveling with her husband and two of their friends, we sat down with Terry to learn about their amazing river cruise and the highlights of their safari adventure.

What was the highlight of your cruise?

Spending time on land was fabulous and seeing the animals up close was the real highlight for us. It was incredible to be able to get up close to wild animals like lions, elephants, and monkeys during the safari.

In the morning we’d get up at dawn and go out in an open-top Land Rover where we’d then tour the beautiful landscape and follow on the trail of certain animals. We also had a champagne breakfast with orange juice and croissants, which was a lovely way to start the day. 

Then, at sunset we went out again in the Land Rover, similar to the day, but this time we ended up following a pride of lions. It was such an amazing experience, especially seeing the wild animals on the safari, and the guides we had for the tours were excellent, they were very knowledgeable.

We also got to learn about the history of South Africa as part of our tours, too, which was great. 

Part of the tour was cruising the Chobe River observing hippos and elephants. But, there was much more to the trip including a helicopter ride over Victoria Falls and a magnificent stay in a Safari Lodge near Kruger National Park.

How were the onboard facilities?

So, I only have good things to say about the onboard facilities and lodging with AMAWaterways. It was all excellent. The staff, the food — it was all just truly magnificent. They had great chefs onboard and we were very impressed with the variety of food options available to us throughout the cruise.

How was your experience booking with Accent on Travel?

Well, we found Accent on Travel through a friend who recommended them to us, and I’ve got to say, there is nothing I would do differently with this trip, it was completely flawless.

We had a totally seamless experience booking via Accent on Travel and we also booked our business flights through them which meant we were able to get a really great deal overall.

Everything we booked through Accent on Travel was high quality, so we would definitely recommend using them to our friends. Kristen Smith was able to make great recommendations due to her own personal experiences which is a great thing to have available to you.

Take a river cruise like no other with AMAWaterways featuring amazing views of the iconic natural beauty in South Africa, and experience the thrill of a safari as part of your journey. Reserve your place on a luxury river cruise with Annette and the team today at 888-806-2337 and read all about our tips for an AMAWaterways cruise to help you get the most out of river cruises. Thanks to our partnership with AMAWaterways, you can get exclusive extras and additional amenities to make your next vacation a truly memorable experience.

Wake up somewhere wonderful with Accent on Travel, in partnership with AMAWaterways.

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We cruised the Danube on the Amabella…

We cruised the Danube on the Amabella August 2024 and had a wonderful experience. We appreciated that all the excursions were included in the price. The staff was amazing. For us, the highlight was how hard the culinary staff worked to assure that my daughter had her significant allergies addressed. She was able to eat without fear of using her epipen. They even made food that looked just like others so she didn’t feel singled out. This is so unusual and very hard to do. If there was a choice of more stars than 5… for us it would be a 10.

Date of experience : August 19, 2024

AMAViola Danube River Cruise

This was our first European River Cruise and it exceeded our expectations. The ship was lovely, the food fantastic and the staff and service was excellent. Our cabin was on deck 4, we opted for one with a balcony which we didn’t use that much, we were on the port side and quite frequently when docked another boat moored alongside us. There are plenty of chairs/loungers on the sun deck to sit and take in the scenery when sailing. The excursions were well planned and cater to all levels of fitness, we opted for the gentle ones as we both have dodgy knees. The local guides were informative and interesting. The AMA Waterways app was great for booking the free excursions and accessing the daily cruise itinerary. I would have no hesitation in booking another AMA cruise

Date of experience : July 06, 2024

Reply from AmaWaterways

Dear DJB, Thank you for taking a moment to write about your recent journey with us. It is great to know that our team was welcoming and helpful during your stay. We are delighted you had a memorable time on board. It is always our goal to make each guest feel special and a part of our AmaWaterways family. Thank you again for your feedback, and we look forward to welcoming you back on board your next river cruise!

Disappointing

My husband and I have just done the Douro River cruise on Ama Waterways. Ama has a good reputation and we were perhaps expecting too much. When we arrived on the ship to check in, we were told to sit in the lounge for 1 1/2 hours. They charged us for drinks. We were sitting right next to a massage stool where the masseuse was massaging people's necks and backs. We felt that this was not appropriate and should have been done in private. The cabin was extremely cramped with very little storage. The doors of all the cabinets were very difficult to open (nail breakers) as they did not have knobs. The carpet and the windows were dirty. The TV channels were very limited. We were able to watch Wimbledon on a TV in the lounge in very cramped conditions as so many people wanted to watch. The food was okay. Breakfasts were very good, but we sent back the tuna as it was overcooked and tough and my husband could not even cut the duck. On the plus side, Ama does have great employees. The cruise director, Caterina, did an excellent job as did Christina, the sommelier, and the wait staff. The daily excursions off the ship were wonderful, interesting, well organized, and we really enjoyed them. Our conclusion is that we would probably choose another company for our next river cruise, or we would make sure that the ship was newer or recently refurbished.

Dear Gayle, thank you for sharing your recent experience on board your Douro river cruise. We appreciate you taking the time to document your concerns, as it gives us a chance to address any areas of opportunity to improve. We promise to do our best to restore your faith in AmaWaterways. We would love to hear more about your experience. Please contact [email protected] with any additional concerns. We sincerely hope we can make things right and welcome you back on board in the future.

Cancellation policy

We booked a cruise and pre-trip to Egypt departing next year but had to cancel because my wife fell while in Japan in September and broke her femur. Even though we cancelled 9 months before the trip, AMA charged use the full insurance premium even though we had only made a 9.8% deposit on the trip. We were aware of the contractual penalty but not the forfeiture of the 91.2% of the insurance for which there was no risk. The difference was over $3000 so no small change. No one from the company ever discussed this issue during booking process other than to say insurance would be 13% of the trip cost. Seems fraudulent and have reported issue to State Insurance Commissioner.

Date of experience : September 14, 2023

Thank you for your feedback. We apologize for any inconvenience your negative experience with cancelling your trip may have caused and will pass this information along to our guest relations department. If you would like to reach out to them directly, please contact [email protected]. We sincerely hope we can make things right and welcome you back on board in the future.

You really don't care

Despite your reply to my complaint on here earlier, and an email to Customer services as you suggested....I still have had NOTHING from you. No I would never travel with you again.....your staff are downright rude and untrained. We paid alot of money for this which was our last holiday abroad as my husband has Parkinson's disease and Dementia. I thought this would be perfect as everything was included....your cruise Manager fell down in his duties.

Date of experience : July 13, 2023

Dear Rosemarie, we apologize if your interaction with our customer service agent was not to your satisfaction. We have received information that a team member has reached out to address your valid concerns. Your feedback helps us enhance our experience for the future and that’s exactly what we plan to do. Thank you for taking the time to let us know about your recent experience. A customer service team member has been notified to reach back out to you. We sincerely hope we can make things right and welcome you back on board in the future. - AmaWaterways

Never Book with AMAWaterways!

We booked a Nile Cruise with AmaWaterways and we’re told that the deposit would be refunded if we had insurance. We took out insurance. Before making the final payment Covid was still a concern so we thought it better to cancel. The insurance company, AIG, refused to issue a refund! We always enjoyed AnaWaterways and had four great cruises but based on our recent experience we will never book a cruise with them again! Our advice to anyone considering booking with AMA, DON’T BOOK! David Olsen

Date of experience : March 29, 2023

Hello David, Thank you for your feedback. We apologize for any inconvenience your negative experience may have caused and will pass this information along to our guest relations department. If you would like to reach out to them directly, please contact [email protected]. We sincerely hope we can make things right and welcome you back on board in the future.

Another Great AMA Waterways Cruise- Tulipmania

My wife, Julie and I recently cruised the Netherlands and Belgium on AMA Lucia Tulipmania tour in mid- April 2024. We had another great experience on this our 5th AMA Waterways tour. We were provided with excellent service by Captain Henk and all of his crew throughout the week. But a special shoutout is reserved for one of the best Tour Directors:( John Riley) that we have ever had on our many river and ocean voyages. Mr. Riley went over and above his call of duties, and was always available for sage and sound advice to us on the optional tours. We are looking forward to our next AMA Waterways tour in 2025.

Date of experience : April 14, 2024

Dear John, We greatly appreciate you taking the time to write about your recent Tulip Time river cruise experience with AmaWaterways. As someone who has loyaly sailed with Ama for 5 times, your praise of our Captain Henk and out Cruise Manager John speaks volumes. We will gladly share your kind words with John Riley and our internal team. Please know that we truly can't wait to welcome you and your wife Julie back on board again in 2025! Sincerely, AmaWaterways

Basel Switzerland to Amsterdam…Amaprima

Basel Switzerland to Amsterdam Netherlands on Amaprima. With many many Ocean cruises behind me both high end and medium. Large to small of 125 ppl. I can honestly say this Rhine River cruise w AMA was a true adventure. The cabins, layout of the ship, dining, music and ALL inclusive excursions both active and gentle. This maybe our first but not our last. Crew is remarkable, as well as tour guides. Modern new buses from one location to another. Small charge for laundry well worth it. I can’t sing their praises enough. Planning our next for 2025

Date of experience : April 10, 2024

Dear Mille, we are so happy to learn about how much you enjoyed your first river cruise with us. Coming from ocean cruising, we appreciate your perspective and awareness for the subtle and elevated differences. We sincerely look forward to welcoming you back on board again in 2025. Our crew will be eagerly anticipating your return. Warm regards, AmaWaterways

My wife's parents took a trip with this…

My wife's parents took a trip with this company where they departed 9/24/2022. They unfortunately contracted COVID by the time they arrived in Bilbao, Spain, and had to return to the US on 9/27/2022. AmaWaterways booked them a flight on Lufthansa/United from BIO to MUN to ORD to DEN for $2,800/person in economy. I did a quick search online and a round trip, with departure the same day, on the same airlines, with one fewer stop - BIO to MUN to DEN was $1,100/person. This seems like they were scammed out of thousands of dollars. I would like AmaWaterways to respond to this exorbitant charge.

Date of experience : September 27, 2022

My Wife Wasn’t the Only One Sharing the Bed With Me!

Even though we were impressed with the ambiance and itinerary, I never thought I would be dealing with bed bugs on our cruise boat. Mentioned my concerns to staff and even though apologetic, my cruise experience was a disaster. I will never cruise with this company again. Also food was served cold.

Date of experience : July 12, 2022

Hello R. E. Janus, On behalf of the entire AmaWaterways family, we are sorry for the experience you had during your journey. Your comments of concern are very important to us, and we will further investigate into your claim. We appreciate you taking the time to document your concerns, as it gives us a chance to address any areas of opportunity to improve. We promise to do our best to restore your faith in AmaWaterways. Your feedback is invaluable, and we would love to hear more about your experience. Please contact [email protected] with any additional concerns. We sincerely hope we can make things right and welcome you back on board in the future.

Rolf was rude and disrespectful.

I was disappointed in my river cruise experience. I was expecting a more personal interaction than the large cruise ships but found quite the opposite to be true. Simple requests were met with responses such as, 'I don't think I can do that' , 'you want that' (followed by a turned up nose), or by simply not doing anything. I found Rolf to be very dismissive with guests (not just with me, but also with fellow passengers) and his sales pitch on the last night did not need to include bashing your competitors. Left a sour taste with me. Hopefully that is not company policy.

Date of experience : June 17, 2016

Hi Greta, I have sent your feedback to our Customer Relations team who will be in touch with you.

A nice cruise, I would recommend

We had a lovely cruise. We started on the Amamora but due to high water levels we had to leave our boat and transfer to the Amaserena. The latter was slightly older. We preferred the staterooms in the Amamora. The staff on both boats were exceptional, nothing was too much trouble. Everything is very well organised including the boat switching! The food presentation was superb tho some dishes tasted a little bland. Overall I would recommend Ama Waterways.

Date of experience : November 20, 2023

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback – it is truly appreciated. We take pride in providing the best service for our guests, especially when water levels are uncertain. Safety remains our top priority, and our dedicated employees and crew around the globe remain dedicated to ensuring that our guests have the most enjoyable vacation possible. We look forward to welcoming you back on board again in the future!

It can be done in a wheelchair

Our needs were special - both of us use walkers or wheelchairs. Ama accommodated us well and lots of special attention. The tulip garden in Amsterdam was beautiful and we did that with one of us pushing the other in a wheelchair. Ama arranged taxis in places where walking was planned. The Amacerto was a lovely ship; the service was beyond compare and our cabin with a patio was exquisite.

Date of experience : June 18, 2016

Magnificamt Europe Cruise

We felt the experience was outstanding. Unfortunately we both came down with a virus for several days the second week. The crew was friendly, helpful and efficient.. The tour director did an outstanding job. We were very 9mpressed with the itinerary. Also we liked the atmosphere where the crew and passengers almost seemed like a family, unlike the cold feeling one gets on a large cruise ship. River boat is the way to go.

Covering all the bases.

The staff and crew were all excellent. The room was very nice. We were disappointed in the dinners for an award winning chef. The outside areas were not made inviting. The common area was not that comfortable. Not enough included excursions.

Date of experience : June 24, 2016

We highly recommend AMA Waterways

The whole experience from our arrival and stay in Paris through the river cruise on the Mosel, Rhine, Main, and Main Danube Canal, and finishing with 2 days in Prague was glorious. Every detail was first rate. The tours were very informative and extensive. The food and wine were spectacular. Donna and I highly recommend AMA Waterways.

Date of experience : August 25, 2016

Zurich to Amsterdam excursion

We spent four days visiting Zurich and lake Luzern by bus and boat with excellent guides! We arrived at Bezel for embakation on the AMA Certo. From here we received a VIP treatment that lasted to the end of the cruise! The cruise Mgr made the whole trip very enjoyable and safe(we are senior citizens). During the walk tours off the boat, guides were very patient with us usually dividing fast and slow walkers. I recommend this cruise to any one who appreciates high class treatment!

Best of the best

The Rhine was our fifth AMA cruise and it was the best of the best. Everything on this new ship was just a bit better, if things could really be any better. Once again the superb dining we have come to experience was just a notch better. As always the staff from Captain, to Cruise Director, Dragon, to Chef Gino, waiter Daniel, the room and operations staffs were all exceptional, friendly, always smiling, and most helpful. A great way to see the Rhine and learn about the history of the many beautiful cities...Lucerne was a fantastic extension!

Date of experience : June 25, 2016

This was our first river cruise but certainly not our last. AMA did a great job from the time we boarded until we said goodbye. Our trip started and finished in Amsterdam. From someone who is afraid of sailing, does not enjoy being on the water, and hated our first and only ocean cruise, I can say without reservation that we are going again - just booked with AMA for another river cruise in January 2017 - Vietnam.

The pre and post cruise trips were the highlight of the trip.

The pre and post cruise trips were excellent, the organisation, the cruise manager, local guides and hotels were all exceptional. I would rate these as 5 stars. The actual cruise on the Mekong River aboard the AmaDara was not up to a standard that we were expecting. The ship was tired and felt in need of a refurbishment. With the exception of the chefs table, one evening, the evening meals were very poor. Hot food should be hot and not tepid, menu choices were not great, my wife had to have Salmon 4 out of 7 nights from the always available menu. The fruit selection at breakfast was the same day after day and a poor selection. I ordered the avocado on toast with a poached egg, both times they were cold. Lunch was also a buffet with a reasonable salad choice, without doubt the best food on board. The staff on board the ship were all excellent, they were very friendly, polite and extremely helpful. Apart from one full day cruising when we crossed the border there seemed very little cruising between stops. The views of the land when cruising was dull and boring with nothing really to see. Without a doubt the highlight of the trip was Halong Bay, Angkor Wat and the Chu Chi tunnels in Hanoi, Seam Reap and Ho Chi Min City respectively. Meeting new friends on this trip was also a highlight. Personally we would prefer the trip to be a little more expensive and remove the need for tipping and paying extra for certain drinks.

Date of experience : March 14, 2024

Dear Adrian, We sincerely apologize for the disappointing culinary experience you had with us. We appreciate you taking the time to share your concerns, as it gives us a chance to address any areas of opportunity to improve. As we always work to improve the dining experience for our guests, your feedback is invaluable, and we would love to hear more about your experience. Please contact [email protected] with any additional concerns. We sincerely hope we can make things right and welcome you back on board in the future. Warm regard, AmaWaterways

We are proud to be a multi-award-winning cruise specialist

AmaWaterways: Discovering Africa on Zambezi Queen

Published 28th February 2023 in Destination Reviews By Edwina Lonsdale /cruise-news/destination-review/amawaterways-zambezi-queen-africa-report

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If the words 'river cruising' conjure in your mind's eye fairytale turreted castles and terraced vineyards, well, that's lovely. But you might consider something else altogether: huge skies, magnificent sunsets, herds of elephant and so much more on a Chobe River Safari on board Zambezi Queen with AmaWaterways.

Your journey begins in Cape Town with a stay at the elegant Cape Grace on Cape Town's bustling V&A Waterfront. Two days in this lovely city are devoted to a full day tour around the Cape, a visit to Table Mountain, and a choice between evocative Robben Island or a Stellenbosch wine tour.

Fly then to Victoria Falls, for a drive through Zambezi National Park to Botswana, before crossing the river to Impalila island and Namibia where you join the lovely Zambezi Queen to start a magical four day cruise safari on the Chobe River, with Botswana to the south and Namibia to the north. Charming local guides, adept at story-sharing and with an intimate understanding of the local wildlife, ensure that your magical stay is filled with information about life in this extraordinary land.

Early starts are perfect for small boat safaris, just 14 people to a boat including a local naturalist, in the dawn light, when the wildlife is at its most active, and because you are staying on AmaWaterways' Zambezi Queen, you will be out on the river before anyone else (and indeed in the late afternoon, after anyone else). Whilst the distances covered are small, what you see is constantly changing, and you can expect elephant (SO many elephants), hippo, crocodile, cape buffalo, gazelle, monkeys and baboons, not to mention a huge range of birds.

On one day, a jeep safari takes you further from the river, as you cross to Botswana on the lookout for lion, giraffe and leopard. A very special picnic lunch in the bush is a highlight of the day.

As each day draws to a close, intense sunsets give way to huge night skies with incredible stars, and it is a special experience to sit out on deck and drink up the African vibe, prior to a sociable dinner, rich with local flavours, where you share the experiences of the day.

AmaWaterways' comfortable 28 guest Zambezi Queen was designed specifically for wildlife viewing, so effectively you are experiencing an eco friendly lodge on water crewed by local people (so local, indeed, that they return to their village at night, when the last guest leaves the bar). Your experience is enhanced by these friendly members of the crew, and when you visit their village on the final day, you may well meet their Mums!

After four nights on board, it is back to Victoria Falls for two night stay at the classic Edwardian Victoria Falls Hotel, overlooking the Falls themselves. From the gardens you can see the bridge over the falls, and watch mongoose and baboon: the gardens are gated to keep the elephants out. During your stay you enjoy a train ride into Zambia, join a guide for walking tours, and sip sundowners as you cruise at the top of the falls.

From here, various options are available. You could join the elegant Rovos Rail for an overland journey back to South Africa, fly to Johannesburg to access Kruger National Park, or opt for an extension to Tanzania.

Edwina Lonsdale is Managing Director and together with husband Matthew, owner of Mundy Cruising. Most recently she's cruised on Windstar and has also sailed with Silversea, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas, Crystal, SeaDream, Ponant, AmaWaterways and Aqua Expeditions. Her favourite destination is the Galapagos however she's also enjoyed cruises in the Mediterranean, Danube, Middle East, East Africa & Indian Ocean, Brahmaputra, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, the Mekong, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, the Caribbean and the Arctic. When she’s not travelling she loves reading, food and wine.

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• Enjoy 3 nights in Cape Town, followed by a 4-night safari cruise & 2 nights In Victoria Falls
• Experience 2 nights in Johannesburg & 3 nights at a luxury safari lodge in Greater Kruger National Park
• Enjoy safari of Chobe National Park by open top 4x4 vehicle
• Visit Zambezi Queen
• Discover Cape Town

What's this trip about?

Compare to similar trips.

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Travel themes.

• National Parks
• Nature & Wildlife
• Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

• South Africa

Attractions

• Chobe National Park
• Johannesburg
• Kruger National Park
• Table Mountain
• Victoria Falls
• Zambezi River
• Bird watching
• Festivals & Special Events
• Historic sightseeing
• River cruise
• Wildlife viewing
• Wine Tasting

Trip includes

• Cape Town Arrival airport transfer
• 3 nights at the luxurious Cape Grace hotel in upgraded Table Mountain View Rooms including daily breakfast
• Welcome Reception with drinks and tapas
• Full day Cape of Good Hope tour including African Penguin encounter and local lunch with drinks
• Cableway to the summit of Table Mountain
• Cape Winelands tour including tastings and lunch OR guided visit to Robben Island follwed by lunch and tour of Cape Town’s diverse neighborhoods Zambezi Queen 4-night accommodations in balcony suite
• Chobe National Park safari
• Boat safaris along the banks of the Chobe River
• Visit an African village
• African-themed dinner
• All meals included during the cruise with complimentary wine and beer Victoria Falls 2-night stay at the Victoria Falls Hotel in upgraded Stable Wing Rooms including daily breakfast
• Sunset cocktail reception aboard a historic steam train to Victoria Falls Bridge, followed by dinner
• Guided tour of Victoria Falls National Park
• Exclusive Zambezi River Sundowner Cruise Johannesburg 2 nights at the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel in a Grand Chateau Suite Room including breakfast daily
• Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert presentation followed by a special multi-course dinner, including South African wines
• Johannesburg and Soweto tour with lunch Kruger National Park Area 3 nights in a suite at Tintswalo Safari Lodge, an exclusive luxury safari lodge
• Daily morning, afternoon, and evening game drives
• No more than 6 guests per safari vehicle on all game drives
• All meals, drinks and laundry included at the lodge

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After your airport greeting by an AmaWaterways Representative, transfer to your hotel. Your Tour Director hosts a Welcome Reception at 6:30 pm. (WR)

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

ly to Kasane, Botswana via Johannesburg. Here you will be transferred to the Chobe River where tender boats will escort you to board the Zambezi Queen. This afternoon, enjoy the view as you settle in on the river before a Welcome Cocktail and Dinner on board the vessel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Transfer to legendary Victoria Falls, one of the greatest natural wonders on earth. Spend the afternoon exploring the town or experience one of the many activities offered at your hotel. This evening you have a special dinner and meeting with Africa’s “gentle giants.”

Meals: Breakfast

Join a local guide for a tour of remarkable Victoria Falls, more commonly referred to as the smoke that thunders. The afternoon is free. Relax and enjoy the amenities and grounds of your iconic hotel, walk into town for a little shopping or take an optional outing. Tonight, embark on a private and festive Sundowner cruise complete with drinks and tapas, along with music.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg. Before dinner, gather with a Local Expert for an informative discussion on the day to day life of the South African bushmen in the Kalahari Desert followed by a special dinner.

This morning fly to the Greater Kruger National Park, where you’ll be transferred to a private game lodge, luxurious Tintswalo Safari Lodge. Later, set out on an afternoon game drive in search of the country’s “Big Five” and other native wildlife. Tonight you will enjoy your first dinner at the lodge.

Enjoy two exhilarating game drives today, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, as well as ample leisure time to relax and enjoy your game lodge accommodations. Tonight, after dining with your fellow travelers, the evening is yours to read, socialize, or simply gaze up at the stunning star-filled African sky.

Early this morning, you’ll have your final game-drive before returning to the lodge for breakfast. Afterwards, transfer to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg for your connecting flight home. Please do not schedule onward flight before 4:30 pm.

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:.

• You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
• Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics

Dates & Availability

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with AMA Waterways .

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Tour operator, ama waterways.

AmaWaterways operates the finest fleet and provides all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising.

AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy. All Three brought tremendous experience, knowledge and dedication to the venture. Rudi was one of river cruising’s pioneers, having introduced the modern-day river cruise concept to the market. Kristin brought with her vast sales and customer service experience. And Jimmy Murphy is the founder and former owner of Brendan Vacations. Their combined expertise and passion for the river cruise business results in a river cruise vacation experience that will exceed expectations. With more than 20 different itineraries to choose from, the river cruise vacation of a lifetime awaits with AmaWaterways!

At AmaWaterways, we love what we do — providing our guests with the best travel experiences possible. In fact, “Ama” is derived from the Latin word for “love.” It is a concept that permeates every aspect of our river cruises, from the design of our ships to the development of our itineraries to the high levels of service we deliver to our guests. It is a philosophy that drives our attention to detail, constant innovation and culture of always making our guests our top priority. It is the reason our guests all have a story about why it was the best cruise they’ve ever taken.

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In the unfortunate event a participant must cancel travel, notice to AmaWaterways must be via email to [email protected], which must include a return receipt and read notation, or other writing stating clearly and correctly each guest’s name, ship name, start and end date of the cruise and a brief statement of the reason for cancellation. Other forms of notice are not sufficient. The effective date of the cancellation is the date we receive the written cancellation notice. Name changes, a substitution of a participant or a reduction in the number of guests in a stateroom are treated as a cancellation in that all applicable cancellation charges apply. Cancellation charges for bookings within charter and part-charter agreements are as per the charter contract. All other cancellation charges are per-person, based on the cancellation date, as follows:

More than 121 days prior to departure

Cruise & Land Cancellation Charge: $200 (Europe & Asia) $1,200 (Africa)

Airfare Cancellation Charge (Economy Contract fares): $350 penalty

Airfare Cancellation Charge (Business/First Class Contract fares): $600 penalty

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Overview Golden Trails of Africa

1 night johannesburg (or 3 nights cape town), 4-night safari cruise, 2 nights victoria falls, 2 nights johannesburg and 7 nights tanzania, countries: botswana, south africa, tanzania, zimbabwe, rivers: chobe, golden trails of africa at a glance.

• Johannesburg to Arusha

Itinerary is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule provided with your final documents.

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