My time with AmaWaterways on the Amalucia was more than I expected.
From the moment I arrived, the staff were attentive and were quick to show me the tea and coffee machine so I could have refreshments after my travels. This, by the way was available 24 hours a day. There was also a small selection of sandwiches available with some very nice pastries.
I could not believe the space on board and how long the ship was, with comfortable chairs in the area they call the library where there is a selection of jigsaw puzzles and board games.
My cabin was on the lower floor called the Piano Deck. I was surprised it was above the waterline more than I thought. The cabin was well equipped, with a great idea for saving space by having the tea and coffee items inside a drawer. New coffee machines have been introduced this season; however, I do like my tea. Another really lovely touch was a reusable water bottle for you to keep, as well as still water in my cabin and turn down service with a chocolate on your pillow.
My bed was very comfortable; at times I did find it rather hard to get out of it in the mornings! Nothing was too much trouble for any of the staff. Regardless of their rank, everyone spoke to you when passing by.
Our Cruise Director was from the Netherlands and so was the captain. They were very keen for everyone on board to know this as they are very proud of their heritage.
Having the Ama app was brilliant. At a quick glance you could see the excursions you had booked for that day, what events were taking place on board, and the cruising itinerary for the day. Every day at reception there would also be a map of the walking tours for every destination.
One of the many highlights was the food. I don't think I have ever had food to this standard so consistently. It was to a Michelin standard, and the service staff were constantly attentive, refilling your wine glass if it was looking on the low side.
The wines and beers, which are all included during mealtimes, were not just a house red or white; they were from the region we were currently visiting.
The other agents on this trip and I were invited to the Chef’s Table, which is a seven-course tasting menu. Again, the attention to detail was incredible.
Sip and Sail was also a delight. It happened at 18:00 every evening with the Cocktail of the Day as well as a selection of other options of your preferred drink. Also included in the price were little canapés that were served as well.
Entertainment most evenings was a pianist during Sip and Sail, followed by themed evenings. For example, Disco Night and another evening there was a game hosted by our very own Cruise Manager. The entertainment was a lovely way to make new friends and integrate with all the mixed nationalities.
During the days there was a choice of excursions, and they had been very well thought out by having colour tickets for your preferred pace, pink was always the slow one. I generally did the walking or biking tours, classed as active.
Day 1 – Basel, Switzerland
I arrived at Basel Airport to be greeted by a private transfer to the port to embark on Amalucia. As my cabin was not available yet, I took in the sights of Basel.
On my return I was greeted and shown to my cabin and then joined the rest of the group at the Sip & Sail drinks including the Cocktail of the Day. This happened every evening.
Day 2 – Breisach, France
We had sailed overnight and I took part in the Colmar walking tour. Every day had different levels depending on whether you wanted a standard pace or slower.
Day 3 – Strasbourg, France
We had sailed overnight to arrive in Strasbourg. I chose the Gems of Alsace walking tour, although I also had the option to join the bike ride.
Strasbourg is also known as Little Venice as it has a similar charm with the canal. This region of Alsace has been both French and German over several decades and has remained French since the Revolution. A very pretty town.
Day 4 – Ludwigshafen, Germany – Romantic Heidelberg
I did the walking tour which started at the biggest attraction, Heidelberg Castle. This had a fantastic view over the town and the River Rhine.
We were told a story about the parakeets that had appeared. Apparently, they escaped from a zoo and began to breed and have remained in this part of Germany ever since. They are a stunning green colour.
We were also given some free time to explore the town, and I sampled the local apple strudel. On our return we had lunch and then the option to go to an ice-cream party.
Day 5 – Mainz, Germany
In the morning I did a walking tour of Wiesbaden. This translates as a spa town because they have the hottest springs in Europe. However, the water is not drinkable due to all the sulphur contained within it.
After lunch back on board, we sailed down the Rhine River Gorge taking in some beautiful castles as well as live commentary about the history behind them. I enjoyed the view partly from the heated pool as the weather was really nice.
Day 6 – Monheim / Düsseldorf, Germany
Walking tour of Cologne taking in a lot of history. However, they have a very young age group living there because of the universities.
In the afternoon I embarked on a cycle tour which was good fun and again took in the sights.
In the evening I was invited to join the Captain’s Table which was lovely.
Day 7 – Utrecht, Netherlands
This was a walking tour, although there was another option to go beer tasting.
This town has a much younger vibe to it, however there are some beautiful old buildings.
In the afternoon I went on the Taste of Holland in Zaandam. It was lovely to sample the different types of food that are commonly eaten in the Netherlands. Our last stop was a lovely pancake house which served us a secret recipe of a little pancake that was made only with butter and flour, so they said. The type of flour they used was the secret.
Day 8 – Disembarkation
Disembark and say goodbye to the Amalucia for my return flight home.
It was a lovely opportunity to be given the chance to see what river cruising is all about, and I have to say I have been truly spoilt by AmaWaterways.
I never imagined that this type of holiday would suit different age groups. I love doing city breaks, so this is the perfect way to do it. Everything is taken care of, I could not ask for anything else.
This was my first time on a river cruise, and I can highly recommend this way of travelling. It is so relaxing. I would also say it is very good value considering all the inclusions, which included all the excursions and various beer tastings and food tastings when off the ship.
I had a brilliant time exploring the Rhine with AmaWaterways and would highly recommend them. Feel free to get in touch if you would like any additional information or have any questions relating to this cruise.
Want to discover more about AmaWaterways and this fantastic itinerary? Get in touch with Sibyl at Miles Morgan Travel, Cheltenham: 01242 808 919 or [email protected]
